While the sheer number of mutations in one variant is worrying, what is perhaps more worrisome is how the mutations, taken together, could change how the virus operates. A third mutation, P681H , occurs in what's called the cleavage site of the spike protein, which is an area known to affect how readily the virus can enter and kill cells. It should provide some hope that the authorized vaccines are already being tested against the new variant . Right now, the majority of vaccines under development target the spike protein. This type of vaccine, or other vaccines that target multiple proteins at the same time, may be the best approach moving forward.

Source: CNN December 24, 2020 11:26 UTC