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Varenicline blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection in cells and animal models

A new paper released on the bioRxiv* preprint server suggests that the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nACHR) agonist, varenicline tartrate, has antiviral activity against the virus.

5 Jul 2021

Scientists identify natural SARS-CoV-2 super immunity against 23 variants

The antibodies are capable of neutralizing a wide range of SARS-CoV-2 variants even at sub-nanomolar concentrations. In addition, the combinations of these antibodies reduce the risk of generating escape mutants in vitro. The study is published in the journal Science.

5 Jul 2021

COVID-19 vaccination induces highly variable immunity among the immunocompromised

Researchers in the United States have conducted a study showing that the humoral (antibody) immunity induced by vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – varies significantly among immunocompromised individuals.

4 Jul 2021

The use of flavonoids as antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2

Researchers in Iran have undertaken a comprehensive review of flavonoids and their antiviral potential against SARS-CoV-2.

2 Jul 2021

Replication of SARS-CoV-2 in nasal ciliated cells could provide a new vaccination target

Researchers have found that nasal ciliated cells are targeted at the onset of COVID-19 infection, which may help to establish nasal mucosal immunity.

2 Jul 2021

Engineered T cells prevent translational shutdown in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells

In a paper recently uploaded to the preprint server bioRxiv* by Schamel et al. (June 25th, 2021) engineered T cells against SARS-CoV-2 are tested against a range of cells in vitro, finding that the treatment could be used to restore cellular immune function and suppress SARS-CoV-2.

1 Jul 2021

Cryo-EM structure of neutralizing antibody 5-7 in complex with SARS CoV-2 spike

Researchers from the US recently reported the 3.7 Å resolution cryo-EM structure of an NTD-directed neutralizing antibody 5-7 that forms a complex with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. They also presented the neutralization data against VOC and studied the recognized epitope.

1 Jul 2021

Grapevine leaf extract inhibits SARS-CoV-2 and HSV-1 replication in the lab

Researchers in Italy have shown that leaf extract from the common grapevine – Vitis vinifera – exhibits significant antiviral activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

1 Jul 2021

Study explores lectins from plants, fungi, algae and cyanobacteria as pan-coronavirus inhibitors

In a recently published article scientists have provided a detailed description of the utility of mannose-specific lectins in preventing coronavirus infections. They have specifically explained how mannose-specific lectins derived from plants, algae, fungi, and bacteria selectively bind N-glycans present on the surface of viral spike protein and how such interactions can be medically utilized to control coronavirus transmission.

1 Jul 2021

Study evaluates neutralizing antibody responses elicited by the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

A recent Diagnostics study discusses the specific antibody response that occurred in individuals after they had received the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

1 Jul 2021

Could peridomestic mammals act as zoonotic reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2?

In new research from researchers in the USA and Australia peridomestic mammals, which live in and around human habitations, have been investigated to ascertain how SARS-CoV-2 can affect species external to, but in close proximity to, the human population.

1 Jul 2021

Zinc-embedded polyamides inactivate SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A

The researchers show that the fabric retains its virus-inactivating property and stable zinc content over 50 standardized washes.

1 Jul 2021

Alpha variant mutations help SARS-CoV-2 overcome evolutionary weaknesses

The study, published in the journal Cell Reports, showed that the mutations in the virus, particularly the deletion of two amino acids H69/V70 seen in the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7), enables the virus to overcome weaknesses as it evolves.

30 Jun 2021

Study provides important insights into early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers in the UK have provided important new insights into the early stages of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

30 Jun 2021

Is mild COVID-19 in children due to stronger antiviral innate immunity in the upper airway?

A new preprint on the medRxiv* server adds fuel to this train of thought, showing that the required cell program is already active in children – namely, a higher expression of specific pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which mediate an interferon (IFN) response.

30 Jun 2021

SARS-CoV-2 inhibited by pyrimidine biosynthesis inhibitors in conjunction with nucleoside analogs

In an effort to hasten the research on identifying antiviral drugs for SARS-CoV-2 infection, researchers from the U.S. and Switzerland performed extensive drug screening for antiviral activity using live virus infection in human respiratory cells. As a result, they identified a set of possible drug candidates that could potentially be tested in clinical trials.

30 Jun 2021

Alpha (B.1.1.7) SARS-CoV-2 variant associated with more severe disease in hospitalized women

Researchers in the UK have conducted a study showing that infection with the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) lineage of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may be associated with an increased risk of death or intensive care unit (ITU) admission among women, compared with non-B.1.1.7 infection.

29 Jun 2021

Cationic peptides inhibit SARS-CoV-2 cell entry

In a paper recently published in Pathogens, in silico affinity studies by researchers at the University of Illinois, USA, reveal several potential peptide binding sites required for HS-spike protein and ACE2-spike protein bond formation, and synthesis of suitable peptide inhibitors reveals impaired SARS-CoV-2 cell entry.

29 Jun 2021

Study explores structure, activity, and inhibition of TMPRSS2 implicated in SARS-CoV-2 activation

Researchers from Canada recently presented an efficient strategy for recombinant production of enzymatically active TMPRSS2 ectodomain, enabling enzymatic characterization and the 1.95 Å X-ray crystal structure. Their work is published on the bioRxiv* preprint server while awaiting peer-review.

29 Jun 2021

H69/V70 deletion in Alpha variant enables SARS-CoV-2 to overcome chinks in its armor

One of the key mutations seen in the 'Alpha variant' of SARS-CoV-2 - the deletion of two amino acids, H69/V70 - enables the virus to overcome chinks in its armor as it evolves, say an international team of scientists.

29 Jun 2021

ACE2 News and Research

Varenicline blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection in cells and animal models

Scientists identify natural SARS-CoV-2 super immunity against 23 variants

COVID-19 vaccination induces highly variable immunity among the immunocompromised

The use of flavonoids as antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2

Replication of SARS-CoV-2 in nasal ciliated cells could provide a new vaccination target

Engineered T cells prevent translational shutdown in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells

Cryo-EM structure of neutralizing antibody 5-7 in complex with SARS CoV-2 spike

Grapevine leaf extract inhibits SARS-CoV-2 and HSV-1 replication in the lab

Study explores lectins from plants, fungi, algae and cyanobacteria as pan-coronavirus inhibitors

Study evaluates neutralizing antibody responses elicited by the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

Could peridomestic mammals act as zoonotic reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2?

Zinc-embedded polyamides inactivate SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A

Alpha variant mutations help SARS-CoV-2 overcome evolutionary weaknesses

Study provides important insights into early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Is mild COVID-19 in children due to stronger antiviral innate immunity in the upper airway?

SARS-CoV-2 inhibited by pyrimidine biosynthesis inhibitors in conjunction with nucleoside analogs

Alpha (B.1.1.7) SARS-CoV-2 variant associated with more severe disease in hospitalized women

Cationic peptides inhibit SARS-CoV-2 cell entry

Study explores structure, activity, and inhibition of TMPRSS2 implicated in SARS-CoV-2 activation

H69/V70 deletion in Alpha variant enables SARS-CoV-2 to overcome chinks in its armor

Achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 27001 and BS 10012 certifications

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

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