Subsequent Waves of Convergent Evolution in SARS-CoV-2 Genes and Proteins

Abstract

Beginning in 2022, following widespread infection and vaccination among the global population, the SARS-CoV-2 virus mainly evolved to evade immunity derived from vaccines and past infections. This review covers the convergent evolution of structural, nonstructural, and accessory proteins in SARS-CoV-2, with a specific look at common mutations found in long-lasting infections that hint at the virus potentially reverting to an enteric sarbecovirus type.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• SARS-CoV-2
• evolution
• Spike