 The Omicron BA.2.86 subvariant has over 30 mutations in the spike protein compared to other variants, but does not significantly escape neutralizing antibodies from recent infection or residual immunity of the South African population. It shows similar viral infection dynamics as BA.2 and XBB.1.5 in cell culture and potentially evolved in Southern Africa, leading to escape from neutralizing antibodies on a similar scale to recently circulating strains. This article was authored by Khadija Khan, Heela Lastig, Cornelius Roma and others.