Articles tagged with Spike Glycoprotein
Mutations in SARS-CoV-2's spike protein can resist neutralizing antibodies and therapeutics, highlighting the need for improved vaccines and treatments. The study mapped out these 'escape variants' to understand their molecular mechanisms.
Research reveals SARS-CoV-2 can have multiple variants in one person, with some hiding in specific cells like kidneys or spleens. This can make complete virus clearance more difficult, as the body struggles to defend against dominant strains.
The article suggests a potential treatment option for COVID-19 by targeting SARS-CoV-2's interaction with ACE2 receptors. Combining DPP4 inhibitors and spironolactone may mitigate COVID-19 complications and infections without adverse side effects.
Researchers developed artificial Sars-CoV-2 virions to study the spike protein's interaction with host cells and its ability to evade the immune system. By understanding this mechanism, they hope to develop targeted therapies and vaccines.
New study reveals that T-cell responses against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can predict protection against infection. In healthy individuals, T cells with a specific cytokine profile offered immunity against COVID-19. In contrast, cancer patients showed lower T-cell responses and increased susceptibility to infection.
Researchers have discovered new details about HIV's structure, including the position of envelope spike proteins and glycan shields. The findings may help in designing a vaccine that can protect against AIDS.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a peptide on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that triggers an immune response in humans and is also recognized by cells of the immune system, suggesting potential for protection against future zoonotic outbreaks. The study supports the development of multivalent vaccines against a broad spe...
Scientists at Scripps Research identified a common target on the spike protein of multiple coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, that can be targeted by a broad-spectrum vaccine. The discovery could inform the design of effective vaccines and antibody therapies against future coronavirus pandemics.
Researchers at UC Davis Health have developed an engineered antibody, FuG1, that can interfere with the cell-to-cell transmission ability of SARS-CoV-2. The approach targets the furin enzyme, which is critical for viral transmissibility, and could be added to existing SARS-CoV-2 antibody cocktails.
Researchers examined Kappa and Delta variant structures using cryo-EM, finding Delta's spike protein binds stronger with human ACE2 receptor. This explains the rapid global dominance of the Delta variant. The study provides insight into COVID-19 variants' evolution.
Researchers attribute vaccine effectiveness to mutations shared with previous variants, resulting in relatively small severe cases and deaths among vaccinated patients. The study analyzed over 200,000 genomes and found identical mutations that could serve as targets for future vaccines.
A computational study finds that Omicron's spike protein has evolved to evade multiple classes of antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2, even those from vaccinated individuals and monoclonal antibody treatments. The study suggests vaccines still offer protection due to the development of T cell immunity.
Researchers have determined the precise structural changes in omicron's spike protein, which allows it to evade antibodies against previous variants. The findings provide a blueprint for designing new countermeasures, such as vaccines or therapeutics, against omicron and future coronavirus variants.
A recent study found that individuals vaccinated three times or those who were vaccinated after an earlier COVID-19 infection had comparable neutralizing antibody activity to those with a breakthrough case. The study suggests that repeated exposure to SARS-CoV-2 antigens enhances the quality of antibody responses.
Researchers are working tirelessly to develop vaccines against the Omicron variant, a crucial step in combating the pandemic. By understanding the biology of Omicron, scientists hope to create effective treatments and boosters to protect against future pandemics.
The study reveals that Omicron's spike protein mutations increase its binding affinity to human cells and evade antibodies, contributing to its increased transmissibility. The researchers aim to develop more effective treatments against Omicron and related variants using this knowledge.
Researchers identified antibodies targeting conserved sites on the spike protein, showing promise against future variants. Antibodies from vaccinated individuals retained some activity, while those with prior infection had reduced effectiveness.
A new study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 limits viral particle release and instead spreads through cell-to-cell transmission, enabling efficient infection without the need for antibodies. This stealthy transmission method makes it challenging for the host immune system to target and neutralize the virus.
A research team at Aarhus University has developed an RNA aptamer that attaches to the surface of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles, preventing it from entering human cells. This molecule is cheaper and easier to manufacture than current antibodies, making it a promising tool for detecting covid-19 infection.
Researchers at UCLA have identified rare T cells capable of targeting a protein found in SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. By adding a fragment of this protein to vaccines, they hope to create a longer-lasting immune response and increase protection against new variants. This breakthrough could lead to more effective COVID-19 vaccines.
Researchers identify a molecular culprit for COVID-19's seasonal nature, finding a galectin-like structure on the spike protein that responds to external seasonal patterns. This discovery could help predict future mutations and potentially pave the way for new therapeutics or vaccines.
A new rapid test developed by Duke University researchers can measure patient immunity against multiple COVID-19 variants like Omicron and Delta. The CoVariant-SCAN test uses a polymer brush coating to detect neutralizing antibodies, allowing for quick and accurate assessment of antibody effectiveness.
A study by Imperial College London found that the first SARS-CoV-2 spike protein encountered through vaccination or infection influences subsequent immune responses to current and future variants. This 'immune imprinting' affects the rate of decay of protection and impacts antibody levels over time.
Antibodies that mimic the SARS-CoV-2 virus may explain lingering symptoms of long-haul COVID-19 and rare vaccine side effects like allergic reactions and blood-clotting. This theory, based on classic immunological concepts, suggests a cascade of immune responses that can lead to adverse effects.
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.
A new vaccine combines the part of the 'spike' protein with a combination adjuvant, inducing full protection in aged mice and potentially equivalent to current mRNA vaccines. The formulation is relatively easy to manufacture and may not require extreme cold storage, enabling its use in more settings.
Researchers found that CD4+ T lymphocytes — immune system cells — produced by people who received COVID-19 vaccines persisted at high levels six months after vaccination, with a significant response against the delta variant. The study also showed that vaccine-elicited fighters recognize and help attack coronavirus delta variant.
A process in cells may limit SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, but mutations in alpha and delta variants overcome this effect. GALNT1 enzyme activity reduces furin cleavage, while mutated spike proteins increase it.
The Delta variant is the most infectious known to date due to its ability to fuse with cells quickly and efficiently. Researchers found that Delta's spike protein has a unique property that accounts for its transmissibility, making it a favorable target for next-generation vaccines and treatments.
A Brazilian study demonstrates that a hyperimmune serum consisting of purified antibody fragments produced in horses can be an efficient approach to combat covid-19. The neutralizing activity of the sera has been proved to be high against the P.1 (Gamma) and P.2 variants, improving animal clinical conditions in hamsters.
Researchers at the University of Arizona developed a new curriculum that allows high school students to learn about coronaviruses, genetics, and bioinformatics from home. The lesson plan, which was created before COVID-19 vaccines were introduced, teaches students how different vaccines work and analyzes protein sequences. Students who...
Researchers have identified a highly potent antibody that effectively blocks the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, halting viral replication and enabling the immune system to eliminate the virus. This breakthrough discovery offers a potential preventive-treatment option for unvaccinated individuals or those with weakened immune systems.
Researchers found that asymptomatic patients may not produce significant IgG antibodies, but rather a different kind of antibody count that can indicate disease severity. The study suggests using the ratio of these two counts as a marker to determine if a person has had COVID-19.
A global collaboration has identified three groups of antibodies resistant to mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, which could target vulnerable sites on the protein. The study provides a framework for selecting durable antibody cocktails for COVID-19 treatment and will guide the development of more effective antibody therapies.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that SARS-CoV-2 viruses grown in successive generations exhibit increased infectivity, binding to heparan sulfate, and reduced virulence. The study suggests that evolved strains may be used as a basis for development of stable live attenuated vaccines.
A new study from La Jolla Institute for Immunology shows that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine generates durable T cell memory and antibodies, even in people over 70. The researchers found strong CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses to the vaccine, comparable to those seen in recovered COVID-19 patients.
Researchers used complex computer simulations to study the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants to human cells. They found that the virus has two main locations where it grabs onto the host cell receptor ACE2, with early strains having a slippery interaction at one region that becomes less slippery as variants evolve.
Researchers found that prior exposure to common cold coronaviruses boosts the body's immune response to SARS-CoV-2, with cross-reactive T cells recognized by the immune system. The study's findings suggest a protective effect against severe disease and improved vaccine efficacy in younger individuals.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified an antibody that is highly protective at low doses against a wide range of viral variants. The antibody targets a part of the virus' spike protein that differs little across variants, making it unlikely to lose potency as the virus mutates.
Scientists have discovered a hidden 'gate' in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that allows the virus to infect cells. The discovery reveals a glycan mechanism that opens the gate, enabling the virus to enter host cells. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutics to counter COVID infection.
Researchers identified two lectins, Clec4g and CD209c, that strongly bind to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, blocking viral entry into cells. These findings hold promise for developing robust therapeutic interventions against circulating variants.
A study found that SARS-CoV-2 antibodies remained stable or increased in healthcare workers seven months after infection, indicating potential protection from pre-existing antibodies against common cold coronaviruses. The results suggest that individuals with higher levels of anti-HCoV IgG and IgA had lower susceptibility to COVID-19.
Göttingen researchers have developed mini-antibodies that efficiently block the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and its new variants. The nanobodies bind and neutralize the virus with extreme stability, making them promising agents to treat COVID-19.
Researchers have created an 'atlas' charting how antibodies attack the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, identifying broadly responsive neutralizers and regions resistant to attack. The study highlights the importance of studying antibody responses for developing effective COVID-19 booster vaccines.
The B.1.617 variant infects lung and intestinal cells more efficiently than the original virus, reducing antibody effectiveness in protecting against infection. This may lead to increased transmission among vulnerable populations.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln discovered that SARS-CoV-2 mutations occur in predictable locations, similar to its closest relatives. This finding helps inform predictions of how the virus will continue to evolve and could aid in developing effective vaccines.
Researchers identified a novel binding site on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein's N-terminal domain, which is targeted by heparan sulphate and its mimetics. This finding suggests that anti-coagulant drugs like heparin could be repurposed as potential antiviral treatments for COVID-19 variants.
The Epsilon variant's unique mutations in the spike protein reduce antibody neutralization, making it harder for vaccines and past infections to fight. The study reveals an unprecedented mechanism behind this loss of immunity, shedding light on a new strategy for immune evasion.
A Duke-led team identified how multiple mutations on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein create variants that are more transmissible and resistant to antibodies. The researchers found that different variant spikes use distinct mechanisms to achieve this, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current vaccines.
Research reveals that the deletion of two amino acids in the spike protein makes the virus twice as infective, allowing it to replicate efficiently despite other mutations. This mutation has been found globally, particularly in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and may explain its widespread spread.
Researchers found that vaccination with an mRNA vaccine induces antibody responses that would protect humans from infection with the gamma/P.1 variant, while hamsters previously infected with earlier strains were also protected nine months later. Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines based on earlier strains still provide protecti...
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine provides strong protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including those from South Africa and Brazil. However, monoclonal antibody therapy may be less effective against these variants.
Researchers have identified a novel interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and galectin-3-binding protein (LGALS3BP), which could be a new therapeutic anti-viral target. The presence of detectable viral RNA in blood is strongly associated with increased risk of severe illness.
A new SARS-CoV-2 variant, T478K, has been identified in over 50% of viruses in North America, particularly in Mexico, where it spreads rapidly among all age groups. The mutation in the Spike protein alters its interaction with the human receptor ACE2, potentially hindering drug efficacy and immune system antibodies.
Researchers analyzed COVID-19 swab samples from California counties and found the new variant was more transmissible, infecting people who already had COVID-19. Vaccines showed higher neutralization rates against the variant than antibodies from previously infected patients.
Researchers used computational modeling to assess the biological significance of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mutations. The study identified 'mutation hotspots' that enhance binding to human cells and evade antibodies, contributing to rapid spread of new variants.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a vaccine targeting the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain to induce potent antibody responses in mice. The approach is relatively easy to produce and scale up, offering advantages over existing vaccines.
A team of researchers at the University of Texas at Austin has discovered that most SARS-CoV-2 antibodies target areas outside the receptor-binding domain, neutralizing the virus in cell cultures. This finding provides a promising lead for designing next-generation vaccines against variants and future coronaviruses.
Researchers at Salk Institute confirm COVID-19 is primarily a vascular disease, revealing the virus' spike protein damages cells and disrupts molecular signaling. The findings provide new insight into the mechanism of disease and open doors for effective therapies.
Researchers discovered that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can cause persistent gene expression changes in airway cells, which may contribute to COVID long-hauler symptoms. The study's findings suggest a potential genetic basis for the lingering symptoms and could lead to personalized treatment approaches.