Thread by @ejustin46

𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗦-𝗖𝗼𝗩-2 𝗢𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗔.1 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀

mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/4…

2) The study investigated the infectivity and replication of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant in human colon organoids (mini gut models) derived from multiple donors.
They found that Omicron infection produced higher levels of viral RNA in some donor organoids compared to ...

3) ...the original WA1 strain and Delta variant.
However, Omicron yielded comparable or lower levels of infectious virus particles.
Omicron elicited a weak type I and III interferon response at 24 hours post-infection, which may dampen recognition by immune sensors.

4) However, interferon levels increased at later time points.
Barrier integrity, as measured by transepithelial electrical resistance, was not compromised by any variant.
-Omicron exhibited diminished syncytia formation and less efficient spike protein cleavage ...

5) ...compared to other variants. This could contribute to its reduced fusogenicity and infectious particle production.
In summary, while Omicron replicated effectively in colon organoids, it showed variable infectivity across donors and produced fewer infectious virions ...

6) ...than other variants due to impaired spike processing and cell-cell spread capabilities. This provides insights into Omicron tropism and enteric involvement in COVID-19.

Thanks for reading 🙏