The origin of SARS-CoV-2 has evoked heated debate and strong accusations, yet
seemingly little resolution. I review the scientific evidence on the origin of SARS-CoV-2 and …

SARS-CoV-2 is continuously evolving. The Omicron subvariant BA. 2.86, with> 30 mutations
in its spike (S) protein compared with its predecessor strain BA. 2, was expected to quickly …

The SARS-CoV-2 saltation variant BA. 2.86, which was quickly designated as a variant
under monitoring after its emergence, has garnered global attention. Although BA. 2.86 did …

Abstract Omicron BA. 2.86 subvariant differs from Omicron BA. 2 as well as recently
circulating variants by over 30 mutations in the spike protein alone. Here we report on the …

The unceasing circulation of SARS-CoV-2 leads to the continuous emergence of novel viral
sublineages. Here, we isolate and characterize XBB. 1, XBB. 1.5, XBB. 1.9. 1, XBB. 1.16. 1 …

4 Yang S, Yu Y, Jian F, et al. Antigenicity and infectivity characterisation of SARS-CoV-2 BA.
2.86. Lancet Infect Dis 2023; 23: e457–59. 5 Kosugi Y, Plianchaisuk A, Putri O, et al …

SARS-CoV-2 variants acquire mutations in the spike protein that promote immune evasion
and affect other properties that contribute to viral fitness, such as ACE2 receptor binding and …

Variant BA. 2.86 and its descendant, JN. 1, of SARS-CoV-2 are rising in incidence across
Europe and globally. We isolated recent JN. 1, BA. 2.86, EG. 5, XBB. 1.5 and earlier variants …

In late 2023, several SARS-CoV-2 XBB descendants, notably EG. 5.1, were predominant
worldwide. However, a distinct SARS-CoV-2 lineage, the BA. 2.86 variant, also emerged …

COVID-19 vaccines have recently been updated to specifically encode or contain the spike
protein of the SARS-CoV-2 XBB. 1.5 subvariant, but their immunogenicity in humans has yet …