BA.1, BA.2 and BA.2.75 variants show comparable replication kinetics, reduced impact on epithelial barrier and elicit cross-neutralizing antibodies

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011196
• Publication Date: 2023-02-24T19:06:57Z
• Authors: Janmejay Singh; Anbalagan Anantharaj; Aleksha Panwar; Chitra Rani; Monika Bhardwaj; Parveen Kumar; Partha Chattopadhyay; Priti Devi; Ranjeet Maurya; Pallavi Mishra; Anil Kumar Pandey; Rajesh Pandey; Guruprasad R. Med...
• Keywords: Cytopathic effect

The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is capable infecting unvaccinated, vaccinated and previously-infected individuals due to its ability evade neutralization by antibodies. With multiple sub-lineages emerging in the last 12 months, there inadequate information on quantitative antibody response generated upon natural infection with whether these antibodies offer cross-protection against other variant. In this study, we characterized growth kinetics Kappa, Delta variants Calu-3 cells. Relatively higher amounts infectious virus titers, cytopathic effect disruption epithelial barrier functions was observed whereas led a more robust induction interferon pathway, lower level replication mild barrier. BA.1, BA.2 BA.2.75 were comparable cell culture subset significant increase binding neutralizing all three but lowest Finally, show that Cu 2+ , Zn Fe salts inhibited vitro RdRp activity only both culture. Thus, our results suggest high levels interferons induced may counter spread. Waning titers rendered subjects susceptible elicits can cross-react concern.