The World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution (TAG-VE) on May 23 announced that it has designated NB.1.8.1 as a SARS-CoV-2 variant under monitoring (VUM), noting that, although proportions are growing rapidly, the virus seems only marginally more immune-evasive than the more dominant LP.8.1 sublineage.
The experts said NB.1.8.1 is fueling rises in cases and hospitalization in some countries in the WHO Western Pacific region, but there are no reports that illnesses are more severe than those from other circulating variants.
NB.1.8.1 clusters with other JN.1 sublineages and descends from XDV.1.5.1. The earliest sample was collected on January 22. So far sequences have been submitted from 22 countries.
NB.1.8.1 stems from the Omicron XDV recombinant lineage. Recombinant variants arise when two or more COVID strains merge and exchange genetic material, often resulting in a virus with unique properties.
NB.1.8.1 carries several mutations in its spike protein, including T22N, F59S, G184S, A435S, V445H, and T478I. These changes may improve the virus’s ability to bind to the human ACE2 receptor, making infection more efficient.
Preliminary lab-based studies suggest NB.1.8.1 has the strongest binding affinity to human cells among recent variants tested. This means it might be easier to catch and spread than its predecessors.
Early research indicates that while antibody neutralisation is reduced—by roughly 1.5 times—against NB.1.8.1 when compared to the LP.8.1.1 variant, COVID-19 vaccines are still effective at preventing severe illness.
There is currently no evidence that NB.1.8.1 leads to more severe disease outcomes compared to other strains. However, its increased transmissibility and partial immune evasion are causing concern.
One of the most notable concerns about NB.1.8.1 is that it appears to spread more easily and could potentially bypass immune protection from previous infections or vaccinations.
Vietnam reported recently that 83% of patients in Hi Chin Minh city tested positive for NB.1.8.1 with Thailand reporting over 250,000 cases.
If you are travelling take care. No reason to panic though.
The experts said NB.1.8.1 is fueling rises in cases and hospitalization in some countries in the WHO Western Pacific region, but there are no reports that illnesses are more severe than those from other circulating variants.
NB.1.8.1 clusters with other JN.1 sublineages and descends from XDV.1.5.1. The earliest sample was collected on January 22. So far sequences have been submitted from 22 countries.
NB.1.8.1 stems from the Omicron XDV recombinant lineage. Recombinant variants arise when two or more COVID strains merge and exchange genetic material, often resulting in a virus with unique properties.
NB.1.8.1 carries several mutations in its spike protein, including T22N, F59S, G184S, A435S, V445H, and T478I. These changes may improve the virus’s ability to bind to the human ACE2 receptor, making infection more efficient.
Preliminary lab-based studies suggest NB.1.8.1 has the strongest binding affinity to human cells among recent variants tested. This means it might be easier to catch and spread than its predecessors.
Early research indicates that while antibody neutralisation is reduced—by roughly 1.5 times—against NB.1.8.1 when compared to the LP.8.1.1 variant, COVID-19 vaccines are still effective at preventing severe illness.
There is currently no evidence that NB.1.8.1 leads to more severe disease outcomes compared to other strains. However, its increased transmissibility and partial immune evasion are causing concern.
One of the most notable concerns about NB.1.8.1 is that it appears to spread more easily and could potentially bypass immune protection from previous infections or vaccinations.
Vietnam reported recently that 83% of patients in Hi Chin Minh city tested positive for NB.1.8.1 with Thailand reporting over 250,000 cases.
If you are travelling take care. No reason to panic though.
