Early Detection and Surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant BA.3.2 — Worldwide, November 2024–February 2026 – publication
maart 19
By Alexey Solodovnikov (Idea, Producer, CG, Editor), Valeria Arkhipova (Scientific Сonsultant) – Own work. Scientific consultants:Nikitin N.A., Doctor of Biological Sciences, Department of Virology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University.Borisevich S.S. Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Specialist in Molecular Modeling of Viral Surface Proteins, Senior Researcher, Head of the “Quantum & Dynamics»,Laboratory of Chemical Physics, Ufa Institute of Chemistry RASArkhipova V.I., specialization in Fundamental and Applied chemistry, senior engineer, RNA Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of chemical biology and fundamental medicine SB RAS, CC BY-SA 4.0,
As detections increased in late 2025, the “Cicada” variant, officially known as BA.3.2 and reported on in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, has appeared in more than 20 countries.
While it hasn’t triggered widespread alarm, its unusual genetic profile — particularly mutations in its spike protein — is raising important questions about how well existing immunity holds up. Unlike earlier waves, where one variant rapidly dominated, BA.3.2 is spreading more gradually. But its ability to partially evade immune defenses means it could still contribute to seasonal upticks in infections, especially in populations with prior exposure or vaccination. The defining feature of the Cicada variant lies in changes to its spike protein — the structure the virus uses to enter human cells. This protein is also the main target of immune defenses built through vaccination or previous infection. When mutations alter the spike protein, antibodies may bind less effectively, reducing their ability to neutralize the virus. Laboratory studies suggest BA.3.2 shows enhanced immune escape, meaning it can partially dodge these defenses. That doesn’t necessarily mean vaccines stop working, but it can increase the likelihood of breakthrough infections.
As detections increased in late 2025, the “Cicada” variant, officially known as BA.3.2 and reported on in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, has appeared in more than 20 countries.
While it hasn’t triggered widespread alarm, its unusual genetic profile — particularly mutations in its spike protein — is raising important questions about how well existing immunity holds up. Unlike earlier waves, where one variant rapidly dominated, BA.3.2 is spreading more gradually. But its ability to partially evade immune defenses means it could still contribute to seasonal upticks in infections, especially in populations with prior exposure or vaccination. The defining feature of the Cicada variant lies in changes to its spike protein — the structure the virus uses to enter human cells. This protein is also the main target of immune defenses built through vaccination or previous infection. When mutations alter the spike protein, antibodies may bind less effectively, reducing their ability to neutralize the virus. Laboratory studies suggest BA.3.2 shows enhanced immune escape, meaning it can partially dodge these defenses. That doesn’t necessarily mean vaccines stop working, but it can increase the likelihood of breakthrough infections.
Links:
New Cicada COVID Variant (BA.3.2) Shows Ability to Evade Immune Defenses
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