New Study Finds ‘Eris’ COVID Variant Is Better At Escaping Immunity Than Other Strains

A new study has found that the Eris COVID variant, also known as EG.5.1, can evade neutralising antibodies better than any other previously-existing strains of the SARs-CoV-2 virus, giving it an upper hand in infecting vaccinated and previously infected people. 

The Eris strain is a direct descendant of Omicron that gets its name from the Greek goddess of strife and discord. It was first detected in February 2023 and was later declared a 'Variant of Interest' (VoI) by the World Health Organization (WHO). Currently, the Eris variant is the most dominant strain in the United States and is the second most prevalent strain in the United Kingdom after Arcturus. In addition, the recent strain is said to account for 20.6% of current COVID-19 infections in the US, as per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Also Read: From Eris To Pirola, Latest COVID-19 Variants To Watch Out For: Symptoms To Note

Study Findings 

The study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, established that the Eris COVID variant can escape immunity better than other circulating coronavirus strains, providing EG.5.1 with a greater advantage in infecting people who have natural as well as vaccine immunity. 

However, the researchers from the German Primate Center in Gottingen, Germany, found that the increase in the ability to escape antibodies is moderate and isn’t sufficient enough to fully undermine immunity established through hybrid immunity. 

They added that EG.5.1 is not more infectious than its predecessors. 

The neutralising antibodies, produced by the cells of our immune system, play a significant role in providing us with immune protection. They attach themselves to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, preventing them from infiltrating our cells and leading to an infection. This phenomenon is also called neutralisation. 

Lead study author Lu Zhang said, "In comparison to other currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages, EG.5.1 does not possess a superior knack for infecting host cells."

"Further investigations have unearthed EG.5.1's remarkable ability to elude antibodies present in the blood of vaccinated individuals or those who have bravely battled the virus through vaccination and infection," he added 

The research was conducted using laboratory-produced viruses, known as pseudoviruses, in order to maintain safety of the people involved in the study. 

The lead scientist in the study Markus Hoffmann concluded by saying, "In essence, our results indicate that the spread of EG.5 and its sub lineages primarily hinges on the art of antibody escape, rather than an augmented ability to infiltrate host cells."

Also Read: Eris Covid Variant: Symptoms Manifest A Week Before Positive Test, Report Reveals

What Health Authorities Have To Say About The Eris Variant

On August 9, the WHO recognised the EG.5 and its sub-lineages as a 'Variant of Interest' (VoI). As per the global health organisation, the variants are broadly categorised into three parts namely variants of interest, variants of concern, and variants of high consequence.

According to the WHO, EG.5, a descendent of Omicron (XBB.1.9.2), carries an additional mutation in the spike protein, known as F456L, compared to the parent subvariant and XBB.1.5.

"Within the EG.5 lineage, the subvariant EG.5.1 has an additional spike mutation Q52H and represents 88% of the available sequences for EG.5 and its descendent lineages," the health body adds. 

As of August 7, 2023, 7,354 sequences have been submitted to GISAID from 51 countries; China has contributed the highest number of EG.5 sequences, followed by the United States, Korea, Japan, and Canada.

How To Stay Safe

While most of us have resumed the post-COVID life, going back to offices, attending weddings, visiting friends and family, COVID is not entirely over. New emerging variants are evidence to that. The best way to curb the spread of the virus is to take preventive measures, including wearing masks, maintaining social distance when sick with cold or flu symptoms, following proper hand hygiene, and getting updated vaccinations. Remember, vigilance is key.