Clinical trials conducted late last year showed Sputnik V to be 91.6% effective against Covid-19. The Russian vaccine has already been used in countries such as Argentina, Mexico and Hungary, as well as Russia itself. A new study sought to certify the effectiveness of the immune system in neutralizing mutations of the coronavirus and concluded that the vaccine is safe against the alpha variant (UK), but not effective against beta (South Africa). However, the research did not test the delta variant, which is prevalent in many places.
The research, published by Nature Communications, looked at serum samples from 12 volunteers in Argentina a month after those people received two doses of the Sputnik V vaccine. The team led by Dr. Benhur Lee analyzed the neutralization ability of the Russian vaccine against two variants common in the Latin country: the Alpha variant, which appeared in the UK, and the Beta variant, which appeared in South Africa.
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In the experiment, they used recombinant viruses that carried mutations in the S protein that is also present in the variants. The virus uses this protein to enter human cells. In addition, the scientists examined the E484K mutation, which also occurs in the S protein and is present in other variants, such as Gama, which is a Brazilian type.
The results of the study showed satisfactory efficacy in neutralizing the alpha, moderately against the E484K mutation and reducing it in contrast to the beta variant.
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The researchers claim that although the sample used is small, indicating the need for larger studies, the results can be considered representative. Thus, the ability of the beta variant and the E484K mutation to escape from neutralizing antibodies indicates difficulties in controlling some variants.
But this does not mean that Sputnik V and other vaccines do not work. The study authors believe, however, that they need to update in order to increase effectiveness against emerging variables that health experts are interested in.
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