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SARS-CoV-2 protein found to spread between cells, triggering immune attack on healthy cells

A new study reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein can spread between cells, triggering an immune response that mistakenly targets healthy cells. The researchers found that a commonly used anticoagulant, enoxaparin, can block this harmful interaction, potentially offering a new avenue for treatment.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2025

Remember ebola?

Researchers at Kyoto University have captured the first high-resolution structure of Ebola's nucleocapsid using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. This visualization reveals sophisticated interactions between structural components, including VP24 and NP proteins, which govern virus assembly, RNA synthesis, and transport.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2025

How the coronavirus defeats the innate immune response

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has an enzyme that counteracts the innate defense mechanism against viruses, allowing it to evade the innate immune system and become more infectious. Understanding this mechanism may lead to the development of new antiviral drugs and treatments.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2024

SARS-Arena reveals hidden hooks in virus

The SARS-Arena program identifies conserved peptides in the SARS-CoV-2 virus that could be used to develop vaccines. The peptides are part of the nucleocapsid protein, which is highly expressed upon infection and highly immunogenic.

SourceRice University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

Data published in a Lancet journal on COH04S1, a City of Hope-developed COVID-19 vaccine, shows it produced robust antibodies and T cells against SARS-CoV-2

The investigational vaccine targets both the spike and nucleocapsid proteins, producing neutralizing antibodies and inducing T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2. COH04S1 is being studied in Phase 2 trials for immunocompromised patients and as a booster for healthy adult volunteers.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 10, 2022

More than a third of care home residents in England caught Covid-19 in early waves of pandemic

A UK study found that over a third of care home residents and a quarter of staff in England showed evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first two waves of the pandemic. The study also revealed that antibodies against the virus became undetectable in half of the population within eight months.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2022

The number of SARS-CoV-2 infections among vaccinated people could be overestimated unless appropriate diagnostic tests are used, says ISGlobal study

Research team discovered mRNA vaccines induce antibodies recognizing Spike and N protein fragments, potentially leading to misclassified breakthrough infections. The study suggests using multiple viral antigens for accurate detection of vaccine effectiveness.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalTranslational Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2021

Targeting the deadly coils of Ebola

A team of researchers used Stampede2 and Bridges simulations to analyze the stability of the Ebola virus's nucleocapsid, a protein shell that protects its genetic material. The study found that RNA helps stabilize the nucleocapsid through electrostatic interactions with its nucleoproteins, providing potential targets for new therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateDec 21, 2020

Targeting the shell of the Ebola virus

The study reveals structural features of the Ebola nucleocapsid, a promising therapeutic target for destabilizing the virus and knocking it out with antivirals. The researchers used supercomputers to simulate the inner workings of Ebola, observing the way molecules move to carry out their functions.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 20, 2020