evidence: What we know about BA.2.86 [...] But three new studies out this week suggest BA.2.86 is not as infectious as earlier variants or likely to undermine vaccines and established immunity. The first, posted online and not yet peer-reviewed, showed that the variant does not penetrate cells very well, suggesting it will not cause a tremendous number of infections. [...] The combination of all these new data points suggests BA.2.86 won't be a major threat as it stands now, Topol said. But he and others worry it could add mutations over time, becoming more contagious and more likely to avoid immunity protections and vaccines.