This paper introduces CoVFit, a protein language model that predicts SARS-CoV-2 variant fitness using spike protein sequences, identifying fitness-enhancing mutations and predicting emerging variants.

Nature Communications · May 13, 2025Peer-reviewedMicrobiology

Virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 XEC variant

Yu Kaku, Kaho Okumura, Shusuke Kawakubo, Keiya Uriu, Chen Luo, Yusuke Kosugi, Yoshifumi Uwamino, MST Monira Begum, Sharee Leong, Terumasa Ikeda, Kenji Sadamasu, Hiroyuki Asakura, Mami Nagashima, Kazuhisa Yoshimura, Jumpei Ito, Kei Sato

This study analyzes the virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 XEC variant, showing it has higher infectivity and immune evasion compared to KP.3.1.1, contributing to its higher reproductive number and potential dominance.

The Lancet Infectious Diseases · Nov 6, 2024Peer-reviewedMicrobiology

Virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 KP.2 variant

Yu Kaku, Keiya Uriu, Yusuke Kosugi, Kaho Okumura, Daichi Yamasoba, Yoshifumi Uwamino, Jin Kuramochi, Kenji Sadamasu, Kazuhisa Yoshimura, Hiroyuki Asakura, Mami Nagashima, Jumpei Ito, Kei Sato

This study investigates the virological properties of the SARS-CoV-2 KP.2 variant, finding it has higher viral fitness and immune resistance compared to JN.1, contributing to its rapid spread.

The Lancet Infectious Diseases · May 20, 2024Peer-reviewedMicrobiology