MERS CoV News and Research

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In recent history, we have witnessed the emergence of several different life-threatening viruses. In addition to causing serious public health concerns around the globe, they have been responsible for significant human morbidity and mortality. Modern life that entails uncurtailed travel of humans and goods means that initially localized outbreaks may pose a risk of transmission anywhere in the world.

An antiviral regimen based on biomimetic polymers for COVID-19

In a new study published on the bioRxiv* preprint server, scientists proposed the aforementioned mechanism of action (MOA) and have validated it using electron photomicrographs of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV), which were incubated with a nanoviricide.

30 Nov 2021

Efficacy and safety of an RBD-based recombinant protein COVID-19 vaccine

A study developed a protein-based subunit vaccine, PHH-1V, that consisted of a recombinant RBD fusion heterodimer of the alpha) and beta variants of SARS-CoV-2.

26 Nov 2021

Antiviral activity of a photoactivable natural product on coronaviruses

A new study showed that pheophorbide a has antiviral activity against many CoVs.

26 Nov 2021

Using metal nanoparticles to fight SARS-CoV-2

A recent review article looks at the potential of nanotechnology in fighting severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with several possibilities of strategies in therapeutics, vaccines, and prevention.

25 Nov 2021

An assessment of potential epitopes in SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins

Researchers utilized multiple bioinformatics resources to identify potent T- and B-cell epitopes of four SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins.

24 Nov 2021

Bat coronavirus ecology, evolution, and spillover

In a review published in Nature Reviews Microbiology, the authors collate information about the ecology and evolution of bat coronaviruses.

24 Nov 2021

Discovery of a broad-spectrum antiviral activity in self-assembling immunostimulatory duplex RNAs

A new study, published on the bioRxiv* preprint server, has discovered a class of new immunostimulatory RNAs while studying influenza infection-associated host genes in human lung epithelial cells using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Scientists revealed that these short duplex RNAs could induce type I and type III interferons (IFN-I/III) in a wide variety of cells.

23 Nov 2021

Mouthwash containing an antiviral phthalocyanine derivative shortens hospitalizations due to COVID-19

In a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, a research group from Brazil showed how antiviral anionic phthalocyanine derivative used in a mouthwash protocol may not only reduce the symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), but also hamper the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

23 Nov 2021

An increase in the half-life of remdesivir for COVID-19 treatment

In this study, researchers analyzed several drug candidates to investigate their efficacy against a broad spectrum of coronaviruses in cell culture studies.

23 Nov 2021

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody using electrochemical biosensing based on hydrogen bonding

Turkish researchers discuss their rapid electrochemical biosensing platform to detect the SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody.

22 Nov 2021

Importance of cross-neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants

A new study published in the journal mBio investigates different antibodies from convalescent donors that bind three separate domains of the SARS-CoV-2 spike. The results of this study suggest that the individuals exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 from the first wave have neutralizing antibodies against current variants.

21 Nov 2021

Toll-like receptor 2 - novel target for improved COVID-19 vaccines

In a new study, researchers from French and American institutes analyzed at a molecular level the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 E protein and human TLR2.

17 Nov 2021

Game animals as potential drivers of disease emergence

A study characterized the total virome of game animals from five mammalian orders using the total RNA sequencing technique.

17 Nov 2021

Pregnancy outcomes during the Jordanian COVID-19 national lockdown

A Jordanian study was conducted to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 national lockdown on stillbirth, neonatal-perinatal mortality, preterm birth, and birth weight.

16 Nov 2021

Xanthohumol as a potent pan-inhibitor for various coronaviruses

Researchers from China reported the results of their study aimed at finding an effective Mpro inhibitor since Mpro is the best drug target to fight SARS-CoV-2 infection.

12 Nov 2021

Phage-like particle system provides a platform for quick and easy vaccine generation

In this study, researchers report on the development of a monovalent lambda PLP-based vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 or MERS-Cov through decoration with the spike RBD proteins from either virus.

11 Nov 2021