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Booster shots improve CD8+ T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 in animal model

In a new study, published on the bioRxiv* preprint server, scientists showed in a mice model that three doses of the same synthetic peptide vaccine, eliciting an exclusive CD8+ T cell response against one SARS-CoV-2 Spike epitope, protected against lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection, in the absence of neutralizing antibodies. Researchers also showed that the third dose resulted in superior generation of effector-memory T cells in the circulation and tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells.

20 Dec 2021

Epigenetic clocks have potential as biomarkers of COVID-19 vaccine responses

New findings have important implications for research into the impact of COVID-19 and the mRNA vaccination on epigenetic aging in the immune system.

7 Dec 2021

Tobacco mosaic virus nanoparticle-based novel COVID-19 vaccine candidate

Scientists generate a VLP type NP platform made of recombinant viral antigens conjugated with TMV virions.

23 Nov 2021

Hydrogel-based vaccine delivery system evokes antibody response against SARS-CoV-2

Researchers from Stanford University have been attempting to create a hydrogel-based vaccine delivery system that could improve the immune response's strength and duration.

22 Oct 2021

Phase 2 trial shows COVID-19 recombinant protein vaccine elicits promising immunogenicity responses

Researchers performed a large-scale, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase two trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and immune response elicited from vaccination with MVC-COV1901.

19 Oct 2021

Nucleoside modifications suppress the potential of RNA to activate dendritic cells

A new paper shows that human TLR3, TLR7, and TLR8 receptors are activated with naturally occurring RNA, but this is eliminated once modified nucleosides such as m5C, m6A, m5U s2U, or pseudouridine are incorporated.

12 Oct 2021

CRISPR/Cas9-directed epigenetic editing reveals diverse transcriptomic regulation and functional effects

Oncotarget published "Diverse transcriptional regulation and functional effects revealed by CRISPR/Cas9-directed epigenetic editing" which reported that the adequate functioning of this process is indispensable for tissue homeostasis and cell fate determination.

11 Oct 2021

Study provides novel insights into how KLF4 influences gene expression

A team led by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine has discovered a mechanism by which transcription factor KLF4 can help to organize chromatin, thus influencing gene expression.

23 Sep 2021

Early clinical trial data in for whole virus COVID-19 vaccine candidate

In a study uploaded to the preprint server medRxiv*, the efficacy of a whole virion Coronavirus vaccine was determined by giving the vaccine to healthy adult volunteers, which generated a robust immune response with evidence of T-cell activation.

19 Aug 2021

COVID-19 vaccine candidate that can be produced in yeast proves effective in macaques

Researchers in the United States have designed a modular protein subunit vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that elicited a strong immune response in macaques and prevented the animals from developing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

15 Jul 2021

Researchers reveal underlying genetic pathway behind neurological dysfunction of Rett syndrome

Medical researchers led by Kyushu University have revealed a possible underlying genetic pathway behind the neurological dysfunction of Rett syndrome.

2 Jul 2021

Study: Specific diet, lifestyle interventions may reverse epigenetic aging in healthy adult males

Aging published "Potential reversal of epigenetic age using a diet and lifestyle intervention: a pilot randomized clinical trial" which reported on a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted among 43 healthy adult males between the ages of 50-72.

28 May 2021

Researchers identify aluminum hydroxide/TLR9 agonist as potential adjuvant to improve RBD-based COVID-19 vaccine efficacy

The study findings reveal that RBD-based vaccines adjuvanted with the formulation can induce strong anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing immunity in young and aged mice. The study is currently available on the bioRxiv* preprint server.

24 May 2021

Plant-based vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 shows promise

Researchers at Canadian biotechnology company Medicago report that Phase 1 trials of a plant-based vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 are underway and showing promise.

21 May 2021

Facets of SARS-CoV-2 infection and animal models

A new study in the journal Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology discusses the ribonucleic acid (RNA) genome of the virus, and the mechanisms by which it establishes infection within the host cell. The researchers also summarize the development of animal models of COVID-19, which will both help understand the clinical features of the illness, and indicate new approaches for the treatment of the infection.

21 May 2021

Novel mRNA delivery vehicle provides alternative to LNPs for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

Researchers in the United States have developed an alternative messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery platform to the lipid nanoparticles that are currently used in vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

18 Apr 2021

Novel CRISPR-based technology may lead to powerful epigenetic therapies

Scientists have figured out how to modify CRISPR's basic architecture to extend its reach beyond the genome and into what's known as the epigenome -- proteins and small molecules that latch onto DNA and control when and where genes are switched on or off.

17 Apr 2021

Prefusion SARS-CoV-2 spike-based vaccine candidate shows high safety and efficacy in phase I trial

A new preprint research paper posted to the medRxiv server reports the results of the first human trial of the prefusion stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike vaccine MVC-COV1901 in Taiwan.

8 Apr 2021

Racial diversity and poverty may influence heart-failure morbidity and mortality

Race associates with the risk of death from end-stage heart failure. So, identifying the molecular determinants of that risk may help the pursuit of the novel diagnosis and prognosis of heart failure, and its therapy.