Confused about the variants you're hearing about most right now? Here they are, explained. π§΅
XBB.1.5 ("Kraken")
What it is: A descendant of XBB, which was a recombinant between two BA.2 lineages.
Status: Not circulating anymore.
Why relevant: It is the variant targeted by current vaccine boosters.
What it is: A descendant of XBB, which was a recombinant between two BA.2 lineages.
Status: Not circulating anymore.
Why relevant: It is the variant targeted by current vaccine boosters.
BA.2.86 ("Pirola")
What it is: A highly divergent variant that evolved within a single host who was infected for a year. Descended from BA.2.
Status: Not circulating anymore.
Why relevant: Most of what is circulating now descended from it, having replaced the XBBs.
What it is: A highly divergent variant that evolved within a single host who was infected for a year. Descended from BA.2.
Status: Not circulating anymore.
Why relevant: Most of what is circulating now descended from it, having replaced the XBBs.
JN.1 ("Pirola clan")
What it is: Descendant of BA.2.86, with one additional spike mutation. JN.1 = BA.2.86.1.1.
Current status: Almost gone now.
Why relevant: Most of what is circulating now is descended from it. It may be targeted in the next vaccine update.
What it is: Descendant of BA.2.86, with one additional spike mutation. JN.1 = BA.2.86.1.1.
Current status: Almost gone now.
Why relevant: Most of what is circulating now is descended from it. It may be targeted in the next vaccine update.
KP.2 ("Pirola clan", "FLiRT")
What it is: Descendant of JN.1 with "FLiRT" mutations (F456L + R346T). KP.2 = JN.1.11.1.2.
Status: Dominant in some places, competing with other rising variants like KP.3 and LB.1.
Why relevant: Important mutations. May be targeted in updated vax.
What it is: Descendant of JN.1 with "FLiRT" mutations (F456L + R346T). KP.2 = JN.1.11.1.2.
Status: Dominant in some places, competing with other rising variants like KP.3 and LB.1.
Why relevant: Important mutations. May be targeted in updated vax.
KP.3 ("Pirola clan", "FLuQE")
What it is: Descendant of JN.1 with FLuQE mutations (F456L + Q493E). KP.3 =JN.1.11.1.3.
Status: Rising rapidly in many areas.
Why relevant: May outcompete KP.2.
What it is: Descendant of JN.1 with FLuQE mutations (F456L + Q493E). KP.3 =JN.1.11.1.3.
Status: Rising rapidly in many areas.
Why relevant: May outcompete KP.2.
LB.1 ("Pirola clan", "FLiRT")
What it is: Descendant of JN.1 with FLiRT mutations (F456L + R346T). Evolved FLiRT mutations independently of KP.2. LB.1 = JN.1.9.2.1.
Status: Rising in some areas.
Why relevant: Important mutations. Competitive vs. KP.2.
What it is: Descendant of JN.1 with FLiRT mutations (F456L + R346T). Evolved FLiRT mutations independently of KP.2. LB.1 = JN.1.9.2.1.
Status: Rising in some areas.
Why relevant: Important mutations. Competitive vs. KP.2.
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