Research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Covers antiviral trials, antibody neutralization, viral escape, and rapid detection methods.
A Wayne State University research team is developing an artificial intelligence (AI) model to help identify severe SARS-CoV-2 illness in children. The project aims to predict disease severity and risk stratify patients, enabling early detection and timely intervention.
Researchers identified recurring deletions in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that prevent antibody binding, allowing viruses to evade the immune system. The study analyzed nearly 150,000 gene sequences and found instances of viruses with these deletions, which have repeatedly arisen in genetically distinct viruses worldwide.
A new study reveals that adults between 20 and 49 years old are driving the resurgence of COVID-19 in the United States. The research suggests that lifting school closure mandates did not lead to significant increases in COVID-19 attributable deaths, contrary to initial concerns.
Researchers found that a significant proportion of international entrants to China test positive for asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections. This study highlights the challenges in controlling the spread of COVID-19 through travel restrictions and testing.
Researchers from UTEP and Howard University discovered valuable data comparing fundamental mechanisms of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 to better understand how these viruses attack the human body. They found that mutations make SARS-CoV-2 significantly more contagious and prone to cause serious infections.
Researchers found that patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms have an early induction of IFN-γ secreting SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells, which plays a crucial role in rapid viral control and disease clearance. The study's findings have implications for vaccine design and monitoring.
This study examined the association between maternal and neonatal SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody concentrations, shedding light on neonatal immunity and maternal vaccination strategies. The findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics of maternal antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy.
A new UC Riverside study examines how people experience everyday life and its situations before and during the coronavirus pandemic. The study found that some everyday experiences suffer, such as conversation and finding new relationships, but positive feelings remain largely unchanged due to individual personality.
Researchers analyzed 211 virus genomes and found nine local lineages circulating in Russia, not present elsewhere. The study suggests that the main channel of coronavirus 'import' was passenger traffic from European countries.
Researchers emphasize the importance of viral sequencing in understanding the spread and evolution of SARS-CoV-2. The technique has enabled the identification of new variants of concern and insights into transmission routes, but challenges remain in collecting and integrating metadata for genetic analyses.
The N439K mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein confers resistance to serum antibodies and monoclonal antibodies, including those used in treatments. Researchers found that viruses with this mutation bind more strongly to the human ACE2 receptor, evading immunity while retaining infectivity.
A recent study published in Cell Report Medicine has provided a detailed look at the vulnerable sites on the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that T cells can attack. The research found that T cells can recognize dozens of epitopes on the virus, including several additional sites on the spike protein.
Northern Arizona University will test Allarity drug stenoparib against the highly infectious Coronavirus Variant B117, a variant found in the UK and US that spreads more easily than other variants. The testing aims to validate the antiviral activity of stenoparib against this variant.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study profiles immune cells called T lymphocytes that fight COVID-19, identifying specific proteins recognized by these cells. The findings may help guide the development of next-generation vaccines.
ADG2 demonstrates comparable or higher neutralization potency against SARS-CoV-2 than leading antibodies in development for COVID-19. It binds effectively to all commonly circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants and shows broad neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV and related coronaviruses.
In preclinical studies, plitidepsin outperforms Remdesivir in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication and viral load, offering a potential new therapy for COVID-19 treatment. Further clinical trials are warranted to evaluate its effectiveness in humans.
A new study demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 reacts to antibodies of other coronavirus strains and vice versa. However, antibodies from the 2003 SARS outbreak had only limited effectiveness in neutralizing the new virus.
A recent analysis by University of Ottawa faculty members finds legal justification for mandating SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for health care workers in public and private settings. The study highlights the importance of exemptions for individuals with underlying health issues or other reasons to ensure the protection of government mandates...
A new approach maps viral mutations that escape leading antibodies, revealing a single amino-acid mutation that fully escapes Regeneron's antibody cocktail. The maps show a substantial number of RBD mutations in circulation that escaped one or more antibodies.
Scientists engineered an antibody, ADG-2, that rivals current treatments and broadly neutralizes clade 1 sarbecoviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. This breakthrough represents a potential pan-SARS vaccine target.
A new electrical detector has been developed for the fast and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies, allowing for rapid point-of-care testing with a turn-around time of around 10 minutes. The device uses graphene field-effect transistors to detect RNA and offers an ultra-low limit of detection of 0.1 fg/mL.
A review of 61 studies confirms that at least 1 in 3 people infected with SARS-CoV-2 do not exhibit symptoms, suggesting widespread testing can help identify asymptomatic spreaders. The findings also underscore the importance of determining vaccine effectiveness against asymptomatic infections.
Researchers Yuntao Wu and Ramin Hakami are investigating COVID-19 therapies using the K18-hACE2 mouse model, which can replicate severe COVID-19 infection in humans. The study aims to test the efficacy of therapeutics developed by Dejia Harmony against COVID-19.
Research suggests that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can dampen the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This could have implications for COVID-19 treatment and vaccination strategies. The findings also highlight the need for further evaluation of NSAID use during natural infections and vaccinations.
A large observational study found SARS-CoV-2 infection was particularly low among children aged 1 to 10 years old in southwest Germany. The study highlights the effectiveness of mass testing in informing pandemic decision-making.
Researchers explore ECMO and CRRT treatment in critically ill SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia patients, achieving a 100% survival rate for those with cardiopulmonary failure. The combined therapy is deemed an important treatment technique for critically ill patients.
A new study reveals that people with severe COVID-19 cases have stronger long-term immunity due to a higher number of protective memory T cells. In contrast, those with milder cases may experience T cell exhaustion, which can hinder their ability to build long-term immunity.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus blocks innate immune activation, preventing the production and signaling of type I interferon, a key component of host defense against viral infections. This suppression allows the virus to replicate unchecked, leading to COVID-19 disease progression.
Researchers discovered SARS-CoV-2 RNA in human corneas of patients with COVID-19, shedding light on the virus's presence beyond respiratory sites. The study suggests potential implications for eye care and infection transmission.
A study by Northern Arizona University and TGen found that COVID-19 may awaken an antibody response created in humans prior to the pandemic, suggesting pre-existing immunity. The research also identified cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and previous coronavirus infections, which could help design new diagnostics and vaccines.
A new study suggests that vaccinating people over 60 is the most effective way to mitigate mortality from COVID-19. The analysis shows that vaccinating older adults will most effectively reduce deaths, even if vaccination of younger adults is projected to avert the greatest incidence of disease.
Researchers have identified short linear motifs in SARS-CoV-2 receptors that facilitate viral entry and replication. The findings suggest targeting these motifs may help develop new treatments for COVID-19.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that food insecurity increased by nearly 80% in two predominantly African American neighborhoods during the first weeks of the coronavirus pandemic. This marked a reversal of decade-long trends, with disparities between these areas and the general US population reaching their highest levels.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to simulate SARS-CoV-2 infection, finding innate immunity controls viral load more effectively than adaptive immunity. The study suggests starting antiviral or interferon therapy as soon as symptoms appear.
Research suggests that people with Barrett's esophagus, a disorder causing the esophagus to resemble intestinal cells, have SARS-CoV-2 receptors that can bind and become infected by the virus. This increases the risk of infection through swallowing the virus.
A new study suggests that those who recover from COVID-19 retain immunity for at least six months due to a lasting defense mounted by the immune system. The researchers found that memory B cells continued to evolve and improve the quality of antibodies even after infection had waned.
Researchers developed a novel method to sequence RNA from wastewater, detecting complete and nearly complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes. This approach provides early signal detection of new variants, enhancing control measures.
Healthcare workers must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect both themselves and patients. Provinces should include exemptions for those with underlying health issues or other reasons.
Researchers found that two SARS-CoV-2 relatives, OC43 and 229E, can evolve their spike proteins to evade the immune system, potentially making current vaccines outdated. The study suggests that these viruses may evolve at a rate similar to the seasonal flu, requiring new vaccines to be developed to match future strains.
A study suggests that COVID-19 may awaken an antibody response to existing human immunity against prior coronavirus infections. Researchers used a tool called PepSeq to map antibody responses to coronaviruses and found cross-reactivity at two sites in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein.
Aged African green monkeys developed severe respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with symptoms similar to those in human cases of COVID-19 after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study suggests these monkeys may be suitable models for studying severe forms of COVID-19.
A new national research project will study the impact of emerging mutations in SARS-CoV-2 on its transmissibility, disease severity, and vaccine effectiveness. The 'G2P-UK' National Virology Consortium will work with leading virologists and Public Health England to better understand which mutations affect the virus.
A new tool predicts viral escape mutations by analyzing the relationship between viruses and human immunity, as well as the structure of sentences in natural language. The algorithm achieves accurate results without prior training, identifying high-escape potential regions in SARS-CoV-2's Spike protein.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that males are more susceptible to severe illness and death from COVID-19, with higher rates of hospitalization and mechanical ventilation. The authors analyzed data from a large US metropolitan area and found a strong association between male sex and poor outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect brain cells, leading to devastating consequences such as localized ischemia and cell death. The researchers also discovered that the virus's ability to invade the central nervous system may be related to its neurological symptoms.
Researchers developed nanoparticles displaying SARS-CoV-2 RBD with diverse bat and pangolin betacoronavirus RBDs, eliciting cross-reactive immune responses in mice. The approach showed promise as a candidate vaccine against COVID-19 and emerging coronaviruses
A new nanoparticle vaccine platform has been developed to protect against many strains of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine, called a mosaic nanoparticle, presents the immune system with multiple different coronavirus variants at once, generating a diverse antibody response.
Researchers at DiosCURE developed lead candidates DIOS-202 and DIOS-203 with high potency and resistance to escape mutants. These multivalent single-chain antibodies target two distinct epitopes of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, rendering virions non-infectious.
Researchers predict SARS-CoV-2 will become a mild childhood disease, with older individuals providing immune protection against severe illness. The model suggests that widespread vaccination may not be necessary if primary infections are mild in children, but should continue if they become severe.
A new model suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may become a common cold-causing virus, leading to reduced fatality rates and increased herd immunity. The model predicts that the infection fatality ratio will fall below that of seasonal influenza once an endemic steady-state is reached.
Researchers developed saliva-based testing as a sensitive alternative to nasal swabs. High demand for PPE revealed society's dependence on forced labor during the pandemic. No association was found between COVID-19 mitigation strategies and risk of preterm births or stillbirths. A new case report suggests a potential link between SARS-...
Researchers developed an in vitro human-derived tissue model to study SARS-CoV-2 infection and its progression to ARDS. The model revealed a cellular immune response to the virus, indicating potential for effective treatment with interferon lambda.
USC researchers discovered that COVID-19 uniquely reduces levels of mitochondrial proteins, affecting cellular protective response and energy production. This finding may explain why older adults and people with metabolic dysfunction are more severely affected by COVID-19.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a nanoparticle vaccine candidate for COVID-19 that shows promise in inducing immunity after just one dose. The vaccine uses nanoparticles studded with the virus's surface spikes to trigger an immune response, offering a potential alternative to traditional viral-based vaccines.
Researchers found thousands of Wuhan residents infected with asymptomatic COVID-19 cases after initial control measures. The study suggests a large number of asymptomatic carriers existed after reported cases were eliminated.
A new study found that COVID-19 survivors have immune cells necessary to fight re-infection, with virus-specific antibodies and memory B cells persisting in the bloodstream. This suggests that people may have protective immunity against serious disease for at least eight months after infection.
A new study estimates 46.9 million SARS-CoV-2 infections, 28.1 million symptomatic infections, 956,174 hospitalizations and 304,915 deaths occurred in the US through November 15, 2020. The study utilized data from public health surveillance and seroprevalence surveys.
The State University of New York has awarded grants to three Binghamton University teams to pursue research projects related to COVID-19. The projects focus on developing new antiviral surface sanitizers, a low-cost surgical mask with N95 filtration efficiency, and a rapid sensor to monitor SARS-CoV-2 on high-contact surfaces.
Patients with COVID-19 often suffer from severe pneumonia despite low arterial blood oxygen levels, contradicting typical symptoms of hypoxemia. Researchers suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection in the carotid body may alter its ability to detect oxygen levels, leading to silent hypoxemia.
A review of over 100 research articles concludes that masks worn by lay persons reduce the spread of respiratory viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. Observational studies suggest universal masking can lead to large reductions in transmission rates, even with imperfect cloth face coverings.