A Dynamic Nomenclature for SARS-CoV-2
The Pango nomenclature is a dynamic system for classifying SARS-CoV-2 lineages, essential for tracking the virus's evolution and spread. It is used by researchers and public health agencies worldwide to monitor variants of concern and inform public health responses. This website serves as a central hub for Pango lineage documentation, software tools, and resources.
Accurate Lineage Assignment
Utilize our powerful suite of tools, including Pangolin and Nextclade, for precise SARS-CoV-2 lineage classification.
Open-Source Tools
Access and contribute to our open-source software, fostering collaboration and transparency in genomic surveillance.
Global Lineage Reports
Stay informed with detailed reports on the global distribution and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 lineages.
Our Tools
The Pango project provides a suite of open-source tools for genomic surveillance and analysis. These tools are designed to be powerful, flexible, and accessible to researchers and public health professionals worldwide.
Pango Constellations
Pango Constellations are sets of mutations that define and distinguish different SARS-CoV-2 lineages. These constellations are used by tools like Scorpio to classify variants of concern and track their evolution. They provide a systematic way to identify functionally significant mutations and understand their impact on the virus's behavior.
Global Lineage Reports
Cov-lineages.org provides detailed reports on the global spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineages. These reports include information on the geographic distribution, frequency, and key mutations of each variant, providing valuable insights for public health agencies and researchers.
Our Partners
Why Genomic Surveillance Matters
Genomic surveillance is a critical tool for public health. By tracking the genetic changes in pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, we can monitor the spread of the virus, identify new variants of concern, and develop effective public health interventions, including vaccines and treatments.
Explore the interactive map to see how major SARS-CoV-2 lineages have spread across the globe.
Key Publications
A dynamic nomenclature proposal for SARS-CoV-2 lineages
Rambaut A, Holmes EC, O’Toole Á, et al. (2020) Nature Microbiology.
Assignment of epidemiological lineages in an emerging pandemic
Áine O’Toole, Emily Scher, Anthony Underwood, et al. (2021) Virus Evolution.
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