The rising SARS-CoV-2 BQ and XBB subvariants have alarming antibody evasion properties, according to a study conducted by Qian Wang and colleagues. The study, which was published in the scientific journal Cell, reports that these subvariants may be able to evade the immune responses of individuals who have previously been infected with or vaccinated against COVID-19. The authors of the study call for continued monitoring and further research into the behavior of these subvariants.
This article is important because it reports that the BQ and XBB subvariants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which are rapidly spreading, may have altered antibody evasion properties that allow them to evade the immune responses of individuals who have previously been infected with or vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a significant concern because it means that current vaccines and antibodies may be less effective against these subvariants, potentially leading to a resurgence of the virus. It is important to continue monitoring these subvariants and to conduct further research to understand their behavior and potential impact on the COVID-19 pandemic.