Chinese researchers have identified a critical mutation in the Ebola virus that fueled transmission during the 2018-2020 epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), offering vital lessons for future outbreak responses. The discovery, published in Cell, reveals how the GP-V75A mutation enhanced viral infectivity and compromised existing treatments.
Collaborative Breakthrough
A team led by Professor Qian Jun of Sun Yat-sen University, working with Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital and the First Hospital of Jilin University, analyzed 480 viral genomes. Their investigation pinpointed the GP-V75A mutation in the virus's glycoprotein, which became dominant as case numbers surged.
Implications for Public Health
Laboratory tests showed the mutation increased infection rates in multiple cell types and mice models. Alarmingly, it also reduced the effectiveness of therapeutic antibodies, signaling potential drug resistance risks. "This underscores the need for real-time genomic surveillance during outbreaks," Professor Qian told Xinhua.
Lessons for Future Crises
The findings highlight how viral evolution itself prolonged the DRC outbreak, which caused over 3,000 infections and 2,000 deaths. Researchers emphasize the urgency of developing broad-spectrum countermeasures while adapting existing treatments to address mutational threats.
