In the Media: Dr. Ian Mellis Discusses Emerging COVID-19 Variants in New Scientist
More than six years after COVID-19 first emerged, the virus continues to evolve, raising a familiar question: Does every new variant pose a greater threat?
Dr. Ian Mellis of Columbia University's Department of Pathology and Cell Biology recently shared his expertise with New Scientist, discussing how emerging variants evade immune defenses and what their evolution could mean for future infections.
The October 9 article highlights research by Dr. Mellis and his colleagues examining the ability of newer variants, including XFG (also known as Stratus), to evade existing antibodies. Their findings suggest that while these variants bind to host cells slightly less effectively than earlier strains, their increased ability to escape immune defenses gives them an advantage.
Despite these changes, current evidence has not shown that the latest variants cause more severe illness. Still, Dr. Mellis cautions against complacency:
"There is a risk that a new strain could emerge that causes a wave of infections again."
With global viral sequencing and surveillance declining, the research underscores the importance of continued monitoring to identify emerging threats.