BREAKING : Another worrying variant is emerging in Denmark, BA.2 + H78Y, has appeared in recent genomic surveillance, with a mutation found on the ORF3A spike protein, which is believed by many experts to induce apoptosis in cells (cell destruction) (chart from @DrEricDing ) 
According to this study, ORF3A protein is associated with COVID-19s immune evasive capacities, given that this H78Y mutation is on this spike protein, we must monitor closely the impact to vaccines and prior BA 1 infection. sciencedirect.com/science/articl…
The ORF3A protein is also associated with apoptosis, which is cell death due to the protein using cells as host to further replicate itself. This ties into the immune evasive properties discussed above. It is also tied into the viruses pathogenicity 👇 shorturl.at/derwH
In short, we know from the recent Japan study on BA.2 that it is already more infectious and lethal than its root lineage BA 1, and with this newest ORF3A mutation, could possibly have increased Omicrons immune evasive capacities even further. This is extremely troubling.
It looks like we will need to continue to monitor Denmark closely, as BA 2 + H78Y is already becoming predominant. If this enhances the capacity to escape immunity, it will likely further increase the pathogenicity of the virus as well. They go hand in hand.
The fact that BA.2 + H78Y is already beginning to outpace BA.2 is a big blaring red siren telling you it is able to infect more efficiently than BA.2 and with it being a mutation on the ORF3A protein, could mean more efficient immune evasion, not necessarily more infectious.
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