Mutations within RNA viruses, including those in coronaviruses, occur frequently because of the need for adaptation to the new host and for survivability. While a large majority of such mutations are generally neutral, others may either be advantageous or deleterious to the virus. Biologically, mutations represent steps in virus evolution under selection pressure of the host immunity. The important question is why and how do these mutations occur and whether there is a role for host immunity in driving them? The important lesson is to perform careful monitoring of such newer strains both for their transmissibility and potential to evade vaccine-mediated immunity.

Source: Hindustan Times December 30, 2020 14:15 UTC