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O-glycosylation of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in insect and human cell lines

The mapping of O-glycosites requires instruments that can support electron transfer dissociation (ETD) fragmentation. In a new study published on the bioRxiv preprint server, researchers report their results on whether O-glycosylation patterns affect immunogens for vaccine development.

18 Feb 2021

Clinical trial launched to analyze bovine-derived immunoglobulins for preventing COVID-19 side effects

The Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Hospital del Mar, the University of California-Davis and the University of Texas have launched a clinical trial to analyze how useful a food supplement can be for preventing the worst side effects of COVID-19.

18 Feb 2021

A glycan controls how SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein opens, study finds

Using simulations, a team of researchers in the U.S. found that the glycan at position N343 of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein’s receptor-binding domain (RBD) helps in its opening. A mechanism that aids its binding to the host cell receptor.

18 Feb 2021

Endothelial SARS-CoV-2 infection induces proinflammatory responses without supporting viral amplification, finds study

A team of scientists from Australia and Brazil recently investigated the involvement of endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

18 Feb 2021

Modified therapeutic molecule enhances stroke treatment

A research team from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) has improved the protective effect of a molecule against ischemic stroke, which is caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain.

18 Feb 2021

Wearable chemical sensor can measure the concentration of lactate in sweat

With the seemingly unstoppable advancement in the fields of miniaturization and materials science, all sorts of electronic devices have emerged to help us lead easier and healthier lives.

18 Feb 2021

Scientists successfully restore circadian function in the liver of arrhythmic mice

Circadian clocks, which regulate the metabolic functions of all living beings over a period of about 24 hours, are one of the most fundamental biological mechanisms.

18 Feb 2021

Advancements in DNA vaccines against COVID-19

The rapid spread of the pathogen and the increasing number of cases highlight the need for an effective and safe vaccine. As vaccination efforts roll out in many countries, new types of vaccines, like deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) vaccines, are under research..

17 Feb 2021

New N501Y SARS-CoV-2 mutations increase binding to host cell receptor

A team of researchers used several assays, atomic force microscopy, and simulations to determine that the N501Y mutation in the virus’s receptor-binding domain (RBD) increased the interaction of the virus with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor.

17 Feb 2021

SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein increases infectivity of spike-based pseudoviruses

In a recent study conducted at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, India, a team of scientists screened specific genes of SARS-CoV-2 to identify factors that may contribute to viral infectivity.

17 Feb 2021

Bats and pangolins in Southeast Asia harbor SARS-CoV-2-related coronaviruses, study finds

A new study has reported evidence that SARS-CoV-2-related coronaviruses (SC2r-CoVs) are circulating in bats in Southeast Asia. This has extended the geographical area where SC2r-CoVs are found, underscoring the urgency of identifying the immediate ancestor of SARS-CoV-2.

17 Feb 2021

The origin of SARS-CoV-2 furin cleavage site remains a mystery

A new study discusses the origin of the furin cleavage site on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is responsible for the virus’s relatively high infectivity compared to relatives in the betacoronavirus subgenus.

17 Feb 2021

Researchers identify molecular link between inflammatory signaling molecule and a main oncogene

A team of MedUni Vienna researchers led by Johannes A. Schmid at the Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, has managed to identify a previously unknown molecular connection between an inflammatory signaling molecule and one of the main oncogenes.

17 Feb 2021

Probiotics may be beneficial in COVID-19 treatment

A new study explores the role of common probiotics in managing the disease, which could prove to be of great value, given the emergence of new variants and the broad spectrum of clinical disease in COVID-19.

17 Feb 2021

Detection of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant in New York

Researchers at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena have developed a software tool called "Variant Database" that has detected an emerging lineage of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) isolates in New York.

16 Feb 2021

A pangolin coronavirus spike glycoprotein sheds light on SARS-CoV-2’s evolution

As the exact zoonotic origin of SARS-CoV-2 remains unresolved, scientists at the Francis Crick Institute in London, UK, explored the structure and binding properties of a Pangolin coronavirus spike glycoprotein to see if it could shed light on the evolution of SARS-CoV-2.

16 Feb 2021

British and South African SARS-CoV-2 variants show some resistance to neutralizing antibodies

Researchers in France report impaired neutralization of two new SARS-CoV-2 variants by antibodies induced by vaccination or natural infection.

16 Feb 2021

Clonally expanded plasma cell lineages in SARS-CoV-2 produce specific neutralizing antibodies

A new preprint research paper posted to the bioRxiv server provides a greater understanding of the aspect of humoral immunity against the virus – the plasma cells that pour out a flood of specific antibodies targeting various epitopes on the pathogen.

16 Feb 2021

Mink-derived SARS-CoV-2 mutations reduce antibody effectiveness

A new preprint research paper posted to the bioRxiv* server shows that these mutations disrupt inhibition by neutralizing antibodies, both natural and therapeutic.

16 Feb 2021

How SARS-CoV-2 enters the central nervous system

The central nervous system (CNS) is highly protected in the human body. Yet, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) invades the CNS, causing profound clinical complications. How is the CNS involved in a respiratory virus infection?

15 Feb 2021