A new MERS vaccine candidate has shown a stable and functional immune response in humans that persists for at least two years after a booster vaccination. The study demonstrates that such durable immunity can be achieved through targeted booster vaccinations, providing an important step toward an effective MERS vaccine.
Researchers discovered a 'sticky' molecule, P-selectin, that can cause blood clots and organ failure during COVID-19. A new mRNA therapy that drives P-selectin expression provides broad protection against coronavirus infection.
Researchers discovered a novel coronavirus in bats in Brazil with similarities to the Middle East respiratory syndrome virus. The five bats belonged to two species and showed significant genetic diversity, prompting experiments to determine whether it can infect humans.
A phase Ib clinical trial has shown that the MVA-MERS-S vaccine candidate is safe and effective in healthy individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine was tested in a placebo-controlled study with no serious vaccine-related side effects, indicating promising results.
Researchers have discovered that an HIV drug, cobicistat, can stop many coronavirus diseases when given to infected cells at the right concentration. The findings could strengthen antiviral treatments against current and future outbreaks of coronaviruses.
Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology developed metal-enhanced fluorescence probes for rapid and accurate detection of influenza viruses. The probes showed high sensitivity and specificity, detecting the virus even at low concentrations, with a remarkable accuracy of over 99%.
Researchers identify 32 human monoclonal antibodies that can block SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and MERS-CoV coronaviruses. These antibodies target a vulnerable site on the viral spike protein, offering potential for broad protection against future pandemics.
New research reveals that bat virus relatives of MERS-CoV efficiently bind to bat ACE2 receptors as an entry point into cells. However, these viruses only weakly bind to human ACE2 cell receptors and are not known to cause disease outbreaks in people.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute discover new class of immunostimulatory dsRNAs that potently induce IFN-I production while limiting inflammation. The dsRNAs inhibit pandemic viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, in mouse and human Organ Chip models.
Researchers discovered a potent universal coronavirus therapy that targets the S2 stalk region of the viral spike protein, highly conserved among beta-coronaviruses. The monoclonal antibody protected against infections when given as an intraperitoneal injection or nasal dose in animal experiments.
The NIAID plans to identify prototype pathogens with potential to cause significant human disease, building a framework for rapid research and product development. The institute also focuses on priority pathogens known to cause significant human illness or death.
Scientists have developed a fusion protein that successfully blocks replication of SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses in cell culture tests. The protein combines ACE2 with human antibody fragments, providing reliable protection against future mutations.
A team of scientists has identified a compound that shows promise in easing COVID-19 symptoms by targeting the cellular quality-control system damaged by coronaviruses. The compound, AMG PERK 44, was found to halt virus replication and boost lung function in mice infected with MERS.
A new study reveals that coronaviruses induce substantial apoptosis in host cells, enabling their internal spread. Targeting this process with PERK inhibitors reduces viral pathogenesis and lung damage.
African MERS-CoV strains show lower replication rates and virulence compared to Saudi Arabian strains. Spike protein differences contribute to the disparity, raising concerns about increased transmission and global outbreak risk.
A synthetic DNA vaccine for MERS-CoV induced robust antibody neutralizing antibodies and cellular immune responses, protecting against MERS-CoV in NHP models. The low-dose regimen with intradermal delivery was more impactful in controlling disease than the higher dose delivered intramuscularly.
Two monoclonal antibodies targeting the MERS coronavirus spike protein showed promise in a phase 1 clinical trial, being well-tolerated and safe when administered to healthy adults. The study found the experimental antibodies reduced virus levels and tissue damage in lungs.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that chest CT scans have a low misdiagnosis rate for COVID-19 and can standardize imaging features. However, CT remains limited for distinguishing between specific viruses.
Researchers have developed compounds that can block the replication of similar coronaviruses and other disease-causing viruses. The compounds target a shared protein-cutting enzyme essential for viral replication, showing strong activity against some viruses like MERS-CoV.
A new study from NIH scientists found that remdesivir successfully prevented MERS-CoV disease in rhesus macaques and improved their condition when given after infection. The results support additional clinical trials of remdesivir for MERS-CoV and COVID-19.
Researchers discovered a delayed and prolonged inflammatory response in diabetic mice infected with MERS-CoV, indicating a malfunction in the body's response to infection. This finding highlights the importance of managing glucose levels in patients with diabetes experiencing respiratory infections.
A Phase 1 clinical trial found a MERS-CoV vaccine candidate to be well-tolerated and induce robust immune responses in healthy adult volunteers. Over 85% of participants exhibited detectable immune responses after just two vaccinations, with the response persisting throughout the study.
New research from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) shows that MERS-CoV can adapt to infect cells of a new species, similar to SARS-CoV. This finding suggests that other coronaviruses might be able to do the same, potentially leading to new human infections.
A new clinical trial is underway to test two human monoclonal antibodies designed to treat MERS-CoV infection. The study will enroll 48 healthy adults and administer escalating doses of the experimental antibodies.
Researchers from CIRAD and Hong Kong University find MERS-CoV strains in African dromedaries differ from those in the Arabian Peninsula, explaining virus transmission. Genetic differences may account for disease not being transmitted to humans in West and North Africa.
A new vaccine called Zoonoses Barrier Vaccine (ZBV) aims to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic zoonotic diseases. The vaccine targets deadly pathogens in animal species and has shown promise in preventing devastating diseases such as Lassa haemorrhagic fever, SARS, MERS, plaque, Rift Valley Fever Virus and Q Fever.
A novel coronavirus found in a Ugandan bat is 87% identical to the one causing MERS, but lacks key proteins allowing it to infect humans. Researchers say the virus is unlikely to spread to humans, despite its similarities.
Researchers identified a novel coronavirus in a Ugandan bat that is 87% identical to MERS-CoV and 91% identical to NeoCoV. However, the virus has significant differences in its spike gene, making it unlikely to spread to humans.
A new study suggests that Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) develops mutations that make the virus less virulent during an outbreak, challenging current vaccine strategies. The study found two specific point mutations in the viral spike protein that impaired fitness and virulence.
Researchers developed a vaccine effective in protecting dromedaries against MERS-CoV, reducing nasal excretion and transmission. Vaccination may also protect humans at high risk of infection, but further studies are needed to determine duration of protection.
Recent studies identified five distinct lineages of MERS-CoV in camels, with low barrier for interspecies transmission. A vaccine was found to be effective in preventing clinical symptoms and reducing virus levels in vaccinated camels.
A study compared the population dynamics of MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV infections, finding that MERS-CoV predominantly affects males with multiple chronic conditions. This research highlights key differences between the two diseases, including mortality rates and transmission patterns.
Researchers at the NIH have successfully tested an experimental MERS vaccine in monkeys and camels, demonstrating broad protection against different strains of the virus. The vaccine uses a synthetic DNA sequence that combines elements of SARS and MERS-CoV proteins, inducing protective immunity in non-human primates.
A two-step regimen of experimental vaccines against Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) prompted immune responses in mice and rhesus macaques, producing broadly neutralizing antibodies against multiple strains of the MERS coronavirus. Vaccinated macaques were protected from severe lung damage when later exposed to MERS-CoV.
The recent MERS-CoV outbreak in Korea spread quickly due to poor infection prevention and control measures, overcrowding, and environmental contamination. The authors emphasize the importance of implementing stringent hospital protocols, contact tracing, and mandatory quarantine for close contacts.
A team of researchers from Purdue University has identified molecules that inhibit the MERS virus's essential 3C-like protease enzyme. The discovery could lead to better treatments for those infected with MERS. The unique properties of this enzyme make it an attractive target for potential treatments.
A team of researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München has developed a candidate vaccine against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and demonstrated its efficacy in a mouse model. The vaccine, named MVA-MERS-S, uses a modified virus to induce protective immunity against the coronavirus.
Global health experts Lawrence O. Gostin and Daniel Lucey outline strategies for managing the MERS-CoV outbreak, focusing on transparency, trust, and infection control in healthcare settings. Key findings include training health workers and conducting diagnostic testing of travelers to limit quarantines.
The MERS-CoV virus has been linked to dromedary camels, with little human-to-human transmission reported. The disease can cause severe respiratory symptoms and multiorgan failure, highlighting the need for effective infection prevention and control measures.
New studies suggest that MERS-CoV is unlikely to reach epidemic status due to effective infection control measures. The virus exhibits a high mortality rate, but hospital-acquired infections dominate the epidemiology. Prolonged infection control measures are crucial in severely ill patients with MERS-CoV.
A review of 252 papers identified 11 cases of MERS-CoV transmission among healthcare workers, highlighting lapses in infection control. The virus can survive on hospital surfaces for up to 48 hours and is transmissible through vomit and diarrhea.
Scientists discovered that a common protease enzyme furin activates MERS-CoV to fuse with cell membranes and enter host cells. Blocking this process could lead to treatment by preventing the virus from infecting cells. The study found two cleavage sites on the spike protein, allowing for more spread in animals or humans.
Researchers found camels to be the primary reservoir of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), shedding the virus in their nasal secretions for up to 35 days. Vaccinating camels may reduce transmission risk to people and other camels.
Researchers at the NIH have developed a new animal model of severe Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in marmosets. This model closely mimics the severe pneumonia experienced by people infected with MERS-CoV, making it an ideal option for testing potential treatments.
Researchers have identified marmosets as an ideal animal model to study Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERS-CoV) due to their DPP4 protein's similarity to humans. The marmoset model recapitulates severe respiratory symptoms seen in human patients, making it a promising candidate for future therapeutic studies.
Researchers found genetic fragments of MERS-CoV in air samples from a camel barn, suggesting short or intermittent shedding of the virus. The study emphasizes the importance of preventing possible airborne transmission and highlights the risk of camel-to-human transmission.
Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified over 60 drugs that could inhibit the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). These drugs, which are either approved for another condition or in advanced clinical trials, provide new targ...
A new experimental vaccine developed by Novavax has been shown to induce a neutralizing antibody response in mice, blocking infection with the MERS-CoV virus. The vaccine uses recombinant nanoparticle technology and is based on the major surface spike protein of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.
A nationwide survey in Saudi Arabia found that three-quarters of camels tested had evidence of MERS-CoV infection. The study established direct camel-to-human transmission is possible and likely, highlighting the need for control measures to contain the spread of the disease.
The American College of Physicians has published new research on MERS, highlighting the need for better understanding and collaboration to combat its potential as a major public health threat. Guidelines for cholesterol treatment have also been released, sparking debate among physicians, while expert advice is offered on effective scre...
A large genetic analysis of MERS-CoV genomes suggests the virus has transmitted from animals to humans on multiple occasions. The study found that the virus evolved quickly and spread between locations, making it unlikely that a single transmission occurred. Further animal studies are needed to establish the source of the virus.
Genome sequencing of MERS-CoV identified multiple chains of infection, indicating human-to-human transmission is more complicated than expected. The study suggests additional sources of the virus, such as undetected carriers, are involved in its spread.
Recent paper reviews treatment scenarios for SARS, suggesting similar treatments may work for MERS-CoV. The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus has been identified in over 90 patients, with approximately 50% mortality rate.
Researchers found that a combination of interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin reduced viral replication and lung damage in monkeys infected with the MERS-CoV virus. The treatment worked by moderating the immune response and promoting repair of damaged lung tissue.
A combination of two licensed antiviral drugs reduces MERS-CoV replication and improves clinical outcomes in rhesus macaques. The treatment group showed no breathing difficulties, minimal pneumonia, lower virus amounts, and less severe tissue damage.
Researchers found antibodies specific to MERS-CoV in 100% of serum samples from dromedary camels in Oman, but not in animals from other countries. This suggests that a MERS-CoV-like virus is circulating in dromedary camels, potentially serving as an animal reservoir for the human coronavirus.
A new analysis of 47 MERS cases in Saudi Arabia found that most patients had underlying medical conditions and succumbed to the disease. In contrast to SARS, MERS appeared more deadly, with a 60% mortality rate among those with co-existing chronic illnesses.
Researchers have found a virus in South African bats that is genetically more closely related to MERS-CoV than any other known virus. This discovery suggests that African bats may play a role in the evolution of MERS-CoV predecessor viruses, potentially leading to human infection through intermediate hosts such as camels.
Researchers estimate MERS-CoV's basic reproduction number (R0) is 0.69, compared to SARS' 2.2-3.7, suggesting a lower risk of pandemic potential.
A recent study describes a patient with MERS-CoV who died in Munich, revealing the virus replicates in kidneys and circulates differently than SARS. The findings suggest critical implications for diagnosis and infection control, highlighting the need for more genetic data on the new virus.