Description
As of Nov 29th, confirmed cases of a new variant of concern (VOC) B.1.1.529 have been reported in South Africa, Botswana and more than 12 other countries.
Thanks to the rapid sequencing efforts of South African scientists, the whole world is now alerted about this potentially devastating lineage, which was assigned the name Omicron by WHO.Omicron is a highly divergent variant with a high number of mutations (26-35) in the spike.
Identification of some familiar mutations that also appeared on other VOCs gives rises to concerns of its immune escape potential and higher transmissibility.
To facilitate the mutant-related research, drug trials and vaccine development, a high-throughput assay to measure subtype IgG antibodies against the mutants is in urgent need,including IgG1, IgG2 IgG3, IgG4