Long-Term Genomic Surveillance and Immune Escape of SARS-CoV-2 in the Republic of Korea, with a Focus on JN.1-Derived Variants.

ABSTRACT: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Republic of Korea has experienced continuous waves of SARS-CoV-2 variants. The current study aimed to analyze the long-term trends of variant prevalence and associated changes in immune responses within the country. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on confirmed patient samples collected from December 2020 to May 2025, and variant distribution, genetic diversity, and neutralization were compared. As a result of analyzing a total of 157,962 gene sequences, various Omicron sub-lineages, including BA.1, BA.2, BA.5, followed by JN.1, KP.3, and NB.1.8.1, were seen to circulate sequentially over time. The nucleotide diversity of the SARS-CoV-2 genome gradually increased after the JN.1 outbreak. Of the tested variants, hamster antiserum neutraliza

SUBMITTER: Kim IH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12474168 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature