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Multivalent nanobodies show improved neutralization activity against SARS-CoV-2

A state-of-the-art engineering approach toward improving the neutralizing activity of a cross-reactive nanobody, previously generated against the original SARS virus, showed it can be an attractive and viable option against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The study is published in the journal Advanced Therapeutics.

5 Aug 2021

New method for producing pseudotyped virus particles bearing spike protein of SARS-CoV-2

A new study discusses the development of an improved protocol based on cell lines that can consistently express S proteins.

5 Aug 2021

COVID vaccines generate antibodies in saliva

Researchers in the United States and Canada have conducted a study showing that the vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna to protect against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) generate local antibody responses in the salivary gland that are independent of the systemic immune response.

5 Aug 2021

Two monoclonal antibodies broadly neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

Researchers in the United States and Canada have described the structural basis and mode of action for two monoclonal antibodies that potently neutralize severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

4 Aug 2021

Monoclonal antibody could inform development of pan-coronavirus vaccines

Researchers in the United States have demonstrated the potential of a monoclonal antibody to inform the design of pan-coronavirus vaccines that could prevent the outbreak of future pandemics such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

4 Aug 2021

Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro by Losartan

A new study explores the use of Losartan to provide protection against COVID-19 pathogenesis.

3 Aug 2021

Study shows COVID-19 organ-specific outcomes depend on anti-spike glycoprotein antibodies

A recent study from the University of Rochester reveals how the biodistribution kinetics and the affinity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) for many different organs in the human body can be affected by antibodies targeting viral spike glycoprotein. The paper is currently available on the bioRxiv* preprint server while it undergoes peer review.

3 Aug 2021

“Sybodies” protect against SARS-CoV-2 in hamster model

Researchers in China, The Netherlands, France, and Switzerland have identified synthetic nanobodies or “sybodies” that exhibit potent neutralizing activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent responsible for the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

3 Aug 2021

What is the potential of microphysiological systems in COVID-19 research?

In a recently published review article in the journal Drug Discovery Today, scientists have described the utility of human-based microphysiological systems MPSs in understanding the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and developing effective therapeutic interventions. Moreover, they have described the establishment of a global working group to synchronize recent developments around MPSs and COVID-19 research.

3 Aug 2021

Pfizer moves towards an oral anti-COVID-19 therapy

Researchers in the United States have described a novel antiviral agent against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) currently being evaluated in clinical trials as a treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

2 Aug 2021

Scientists develop a potent peptide inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro

In a recently published article in the journal Drugs in R&D, scientists have described the development and validation of a 13-amino acid peptide inhibitor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

2 Aug 2021

SARS-CoV-2 Q493R protein mutation shows resistance to monoclonal antibodies

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a letter detailing a case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in an immunocompromised patient who did not respond well to monoclonal antibody treatment. The resistance to treatment stemmed from an escape mutation on the spike protein known as Q4923R.

2 Aug 2021

Study looks at potent phytocompounds from Himalayan herbs to treat COVID-19

Considering the antiviral activity of medicinal herbs, a new study published in the journal Current Pharmacology Reports focuses on the identification of potent phytochemicals from Himalayan herbs, namely, Rheum emodi, Thymus serpyllum, and Artemisia annua, for the treatment of COVID-19.

1 Aug 2021

SARS-CoV-2 interacts with sialic acid cell surface glycans

In a paper recently uploaded to the journal Frontiers in Chemistry by Li et al. (July 22nd, 2021) the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA), the most commonly found sialic acid in humans, is investigated, finding that the molecule may act as a secondary or supplementary receptor to the virus.

30 Jul 2021

Phase 1/2 trial results for Nanocovax, protein subunit SARS-CoV-2 vaccine from Vietnam

Nanocovax is a protein subunit vaccine that contains the full-length spike stabilized by the addition of two prolines

29 Jul 2021

Study explains how SARS-CoV-2 variants differ in binding to ACE2 receptor

The current study explored ACE2-RBD interactions with four VoCs including the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants.

29 Jul 2021

Mass spectrometry used to develop N-glycosylation profiles for SARS-CoV-2 D614G

A new study has characterized and compared the N-glycosylation of the wild type (S-614D) and variant (S-614G) of SARS-CoV-2 S glycoproteins using MS techniques.

28 Jul 2021

Kids with allergies less likely to get SARS-CoV-2

Asthma is not associated with worse outcomes among children and adolescents with COVID-19.

28 Jul 2021

Unraveling the mysterious mutations that make delta the most transmissible covid virus yet

Upon first inspection, the mutations in the highly contagious delta covid variant don't look that worrisome.

28 Jul 2021

SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern employ different strategies of antibody escape

A recent study in the field of fluid analysis reveals a diverse set of strategies utilized by alpha and beta variants of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) in order to evade antibodies generated during an earlier infection with this virus. The paper is currently available on the bioRxiv* preprint server while it undergoes a peer-review process.

28 Jul 2021