A Review of the Genetic Diversity and Immune Escape of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Background & aim: SARS-CoV-2 virus expresses specific patterns of genetic diversity in the genome. These changes in the virus and its genetic diversity in human populations can determine the transmission of the virus and the severity of the Covid-19 disease. Genetic diversity and immune differences in human populations can be the driving force in the evolution of the virus and its escape from the immune system. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic changes and escape routes of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from immune responses. Methods: In this review article conducted in 2021 at Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, studies published in electronic databases; Pub-Med, Science Direct, Elsevier, Scopus and Google Scholar were investigated regarding the genetic diversity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its ways of escaping the immune system. Results: The results indicated that various mutations have been observed in SARS-CoV-2 virus types, some of these mutations are effective on viral characteristics such as infection and severity of the covid-19 disease and are related to the ability to escape from immune responses and can lead to inhibition of innate immune responses. and be acquired. Conclusion: By identifying the types of mutations of SARS-CoV-2 virus and their relationship with the ways of escaping from the immune system, we can hope for effective treatment methods as well as obtaining vaccines with greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Keywords

• covid-19
• genetic diversity
• immune system