부산대학교 도서관

The current SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is distinct, compared to parental SARS-CoV-2 and other variant of concern (VOC), in at least two notable extents: 1) is a master of immune evasion but maintains robust angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) binding; and 2) depends more on cell endocytic pathway than other VOC to promote cell entry, leading to significant loss of endogenous mucosal ACE2 for lung protection as well as escape from neutralization antibodies and thus higher infectivity. The Omicron variant is more likely than other VOCs to cause upper airway infection and affects much less in lung distal tissue. People with weakened immune systems and those who had underlying conditions are considered high risk. Taken together the Omicron variant underscores the urgency of exploring effective prophylactic and therapeutic interventions to boost mucosal immunity against Omicron cell entry in upper airways. The study is to offer the potential prophylactic and therapeutic strategies protecting mucosal immunity against breakthrough infections.