Im NDR Info Podcast Coronavirus Update explains Sandra Ciesek to what extent vaccinations can be influenced by mutations and for whom antibody drugs would be useful.
by Sonja Puhl
After a year of pandemic, the occurrence of mutations in the original coronavirus has recently caused a stir. The British, South African and Brazilian variants have now also been registered in Germany and some in the north. There are now fears that a vaccination might not work against these mutations or might not work as well. The mutations E484K and K417N only occur in the South African and Brazilian variants and “probably have an influence on the neutralization,” says virologist Sandra Ciesek from the Frankfurt University Hospital. These are so-called escape mutations. This means that a virus variant can evade the neutralization of the immune response, so that you can possibly be infected again after you have already been infected. It could also limit the effectiveness of vaccines and antibody therapies.
AUDIO: The new podcast episode: Anticipating the virus (92 min)
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The immune system needs more antibodies for escape mutations
However, Ciesek reports on two previously published studies on the immune escape, which suggest that the neutralization of these mutations, for example by vaccination, has not been completely abolished, but has only become weaker. Further studies are still necessary, says Ciesek. The preliminary, cautious conclusion of the expert: “It means that more antibodies are needed to get the same effect as if one were to neutralize the ‘wild type’.”
Vaccine providers announce adjustments
According to Ciesek, the vaccines from Biontech and Moderna currently inoculated in Germany have great potential: “The mRNA vaccines are very effective and ensure that we produce an excess of antibodies,” explains the virologist. Nonetheless, the Biontech company has already announced that it will be able to adapt the vaccine at short notice. And the supplier Moderna is also working on a modified vaccine that specifically targets the South African mutation, like a so-called “booster” that could be administered for the second vaccination, which is required anyway, reports Ciesek. “Of course, that still has to be checked in studies, but it would be one way of dealing with it. But then you always have to show that this new vaccine, which targets the variant, is also the original virus, the Can neutralize wild type. “
The Standing Vaccination Commission updated its recommendations on Covid-19 vaccination on January 8, 2021. external
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Monoclonal antibody drugs are only suitable for certain patients
In addition to vaccination, Germany also relies on the administration of drugs with monoclonal antibodies that cause passive immunization. Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) recently announced that the federal government had bought 200,000 cans for 400 million euros. One of the two preparations from the US manufacturer Eli Lilly or Regeneron is expected to arrive at the University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf (UKE) in the next few weeks. It should be used to treat inpatients and partially inpatients who have mild or moderate symptoms and who show risk factors for a severe course. The drug is not suitable for intensive care patients who are already ventilated. The UKE will scientifically monitor the administration. The drugs are not yet approved in Europe. Virologist Ciesek also sees clinics as the main field of application for these drugs, as they have to be administered intravenously. She also points out that these drugs only make sense in certain patients, such as people with suppressed immune systems who are unable to produce antibodies themselves.
Confusion about the effectiveness of the Astrazeneca vaccine in the elderly
The question of which patients the Astrazeneca coronavirus vaccine is suitable for made confusing headlines today. The pharmaceutical company rejected allegations that this vaccine is said to have only a weak effect on seniors. A spokesman for the company said a recent study shows that the preparation induces a strong immune response in seniors. However, the proportion of older subjects in the registration study was comparatively low. Virologist Ciesek also warns against jumping to conclusions: “I hope that the regulatory authorities will check this in a very transparent manner, then inform them and also trust them that they will make the right decisions.”
What is an aerosol? What is a cell culture? Our glossary explains the most important technical terms from our podcast with virologists Christian Drosten and Sandra Ciesek. more
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Coronavirus update: Podcast with Christian Drosten and Sandra Ciesek
The coronavirus pandemic has led to some drastic restrictions on public life in Germany and around the world. The more the virus spread, the more people wanted to know about it. NDR Info responded to this need for information with the coronavirus podcast. Every Tuesday, Christian Drosten, head of virology at the Berlin Charité, and Sandra Ciesek, director of the Institute for Medical Virology at the University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, answer current questions on a weekly basis.
How do you use the podcast? What information are you most interested in? What can be improved? Join our survey. external
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Here you will find all episodes broadcast so far for reading and listening to as well as a scientific glossary and much more. more
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The virologist Christian Drosten provides expert knowledge in the podcast Coronavirus Update – together with virologist Sandra Ciesek. Here is an overview of all the episodes. more
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Should pharmaceutical companies release knowledge and patents for the production of corona vaccines? Experts say that production could be faster and the pandemic defeated earlier. more
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Willingness to vaccinate – this will be particularly important in the future. Opinions are also formed on social media. However, with all sorts of fake news. more
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Because of the virus mutations, drastic measures would also have to be discussed, says the Interior Minister. More corona news in the live ticker. more
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This topic in the program:
NDR Info | The coronavirus update from NDR Info | 01/26/2021 | 17:00 o’clock
