Molecular Characterization and Genomic Diversity of SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike Gene Variants Circulating in Iraq: Mutational Impact on ACE2 Affinity, RBD Immune Escape, and Viral Transmission
The absence of <b>E484K</b> and the predominance of <b>transmission-enhancing mutations</b> indicate that Iraqi SARS-CoV-2 isolates favor adaptation through increased ACE2 affinity rather than extensive immune evasion. These findings underscore the importance of <b>regional genomic surveillance</b> to inform vaccination strategies and public health responses.
Authors
- Anfal Mohammed Khudhair (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9460-8065)
- Johar Ali (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1062-3204)
- Sahar Taha Hatif (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6202-0109)
- Mohammad Ali (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9404-9301)
- Duaa Mohammed Abdulsatar
- Dunya Jawad Ridha (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9754-7461)
Institutions
- Mustansiriyah University (IQ)
- Dijlah University College (IQ)
- Iraqi University (IQ)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Advances in Virology
- Published
- 2025-01-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1155/av/9916617
- Primary Topic
- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00