SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 spike: Antigenicity, receptor affinity, and global spread
A new subvariant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, BA.2.86, has emerged with 34 additional mutations in its spike protein. However, it is not more resistant to human sera compared to the currently dominant variants, indicating that it may not have a growth advantage. Sera from patients who had breakthrough infections with the XBB variant exhibited robust neutralizing activity against all tested viruses, suggesting that upcoming XBB monovalent vaccines could provide added protection. The BA.2.86 spike showed greater resistance to certain monoclonal antibodies but was more sensitive to others. Additionally, it had a remarkably high receptor affinity. The global spread of this new variant is concerning, and further surveillance is needed to determine its trajectory.