Professor Ituro Inoue stated that the Delta variant accumulating too many mutations on the nsp14 protein will cause the virus to lose its error-correcting function in its genes, ultimately leading to self-destruction.
The fifth wave of infections caused by the Delta variant in Japan has abruptly ended, leaving some scientists puzzled, while others believe that a mutation capable of causing the virus to self-destruct has led to this outcome.
The most severe wave of infections in Japan due to the Delta variant peaked in August, with over 23,000 new Covid-19 cases reported daily. However, this number has recently dropped below 170 cases per day, with some days recording no deaths, according to RT.
Many believe that the decline in infections is due to the high vaccination rate, adherence to preventive measures by the public, and other factors. However, some researchers argue that this is an exceptionally unique case compared to other countries.
According to Professor Ituro Inoue from the National Institute of Genetics in Japan, the Delta variant in the country has accumulated too many mutations on a non-structural protein responsible for genetic error correction called nsp14, causing the virus to gradually lose its error-correcting function in its genes and ultimately leading to self-destruction.
Professor Inoue believes that Japan has been fortunate to witness the Delta variant eliminate other variants before it self-eradicates.
A healthcare facility treating Covid-19 patients in Japan. (Photo: REUTERS).
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has a very high mutation rate, allowing it to quickly adapt to environmental changes. However, this also opens another door that benefits humanity, as excessive mutations can accumulate and lead to the complete extinction of the virus.
“We were very surprised to discover this. The Delta variant in Japan has a strong transmission capability and has overshadowed other variants. However, we believe that as more mutations appear, the virus becomes faulty and loses its ability to replicate. Since the number of infections has not increased, we suspect that during the mutation process, SARS-CoV-2 has effectively disappeared due to its inability to reproduce,” Professor Inoue explained.
Professor Inoue’s hypothesis may also help explain why the SARS pandemic abruptly ended in 2003. During experiments, scientists created artificial mutations in the nsp14 protein of the SARS virus. The results showed that the virus stopped replicating.
The phenomenon of SARS-CoV-2 virus self-extinction is entirely possible in other countries, although detection may be more challenging since no other location has as many mutations in the nsp14 protein as Japan.
Professor Inoue mentioned that similar viral mutations have also been detected in at least 24 other countries. He and his research team are expected to publish a detailed report of their findings by the end of November.
According to Professor Inoue, even if the theory of the natural self-destruction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is confirmed, this would only be a “temporary reprieve” for the people of Japan.
He believes that newer, more dangerous variants could still emerge and infiltrate the country, despite Japan’s quarantine measures and immigration controls, RT reported.
