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11 comments

[–] jobes [OP] 3 points (+3|-0) Edited

Each mutational pattern was introduced in the original Wuhan/D614G strain, submitted to energy minimization, and then tested for antibody binding. ... Thus, these infection enhancing antibodies not only still recognize Delta variants but even display a higher affinity for those variants than for the original SARS-CoV-2 strain

Current Covid-19 vaccines (either mRNA or viral vectors) are based on the original Wuhan spike sequence. Inasmuch as neutralizing antibodies overwhelm facilitating antibodies, ADE is not a concern. However, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants may tip the scales in favor of infection enhancement. Our structural and modelling data suggest that it might be indeed the case for Delta variants.

So basically ADE wouldn't happen with the original virus, but the vaccines are less likely to neutralize Delta and in fact have a probability of causing ADE. They conclude there is a way to make a second gen vaccine that would avoid the ADE issue, but right now it really could occur.

[–] ScorpioGlitch 1 points (+1|-0)

Yea, wait until after they come up with a vaccine that addresses lambda efficiently. That next vaccine will probably be the one with the wrinkles ironed out.