Scientists found the first mutation of the coronavirus, against which antibodies are powerless

(ORDO NEWS) — Scientists have identified a mutation in SARS-CoV-2 that allows it to escape recognition by antibodies developed to fight infection, Nature reports, citing a preprint of the study.

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has mapped all possible COVID-19 mutations that could prevent the binding of three monoclonal antibodies (created in the laboratory and administered to patients as part of specialized therapy).

It turned out that a number of mutations affected a protein segment called the receptor binding domain (RBD), which the virus uses to enter cells. One of these mutations masked the virus from the entire cocktail of antibodies, and some others eluded selectively from one of three antibodies.

Scientists note that some of these changes are widespread in those infected with COVID-19, and a mutation that resists the entire set of antibodies has been found in the Netherlands and Denmark.

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