Omicron News and Research

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Booster dose elicits cross-reactive humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants

Researchers determine the cross-reactivity of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein-induced antibodies before and after a third SARS-CoV-2 vaccine dose.

5 Jan 2022

Pre-departure test not needed for eligible fully vaccinated travelers

From 4am on Sunday 9 January, eligible fully vaccinated travellers and over 5s will be able to take a lateral flow test instead of a PCR on or before day 2 of their arrival in England. Lateral flow tests for travel can be booked from Friday 7 January and taken upon arrival, by the end of day 2.

5 Jan 2022

Integrin/TGF-β1 inhibitors highly effective in attenuating COVID-19 severity

New study results suggest that integrin inhibitors have the potential to both prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2, including the Delta and Omicron variants, and to decrease TGF-β levels, resulting in a decrease in COVID-19 severity, hospitalization, and death, especially in vulnerable and unvaccinated populations.

5 Jan 2022

Study findings suggest spread of Omicron can be ascribed to immune evasiveness rather than an increase in transmissibility

Researchers investigate the household transmission of the Omicron VOC and increased immune evasiveness of both the Omicron and Delta variants

5 Jan 2022

Hospitalization and death associated with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant compared to Delta variant

Researchers evaluate the rates of hospitalization and deaths associated with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant as compared to the Delta variant.

5 Jan 2022

Public attitudes to the COVID-19 pandemic during the emergence of the Omicron variant

Researchers from Swansea University have been investigating public attitudes to the pandemic.

5 Jan 2022

Exploring vaccine-induced cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

In a new study, researchers determined CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in 51 individuals vaccinated with the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based Pfizer and adenovirus vector-based Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

5 Jan 2022

Comparison of the mutational profile of Omicron with other SARS-CoV-2 lineages

Researchers from nference labs in Massachusetts have been examining the origins of a particular mutation in the Omicron variant.

5 Jan 2022

Statistical analysis reveals less severe COVID-19 outcome due to Omicron variant

A new study demonstrated that in the US, the COVID-19 cases arising after the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant showed reduced severity of infection than in the cases recorded in previous time points (during the Delta variant outbreak).

5 Jan 2022

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines offer protection against Omicron variant in pregnancy

A new study provides insights into the persistence of extra-neutralizing properties of mRNA vaccine-induced antibodies resulting in protection against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.

5 Jan 2022

mRNA booster vaccine confers strong protection against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron in cancer patients

A new preprint research paper posted to the medRxiv* server reports the induction of high neutralizing activity in these patients against the Omicron VOC with a booster dose.

5 Jan 2022

Scientists provide a structural framework for Omicron immune evasion and ACE2 receptor recognition

An interesting preprint research paper describes structural changes resulting from the multiple mutations found in the recent Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent behind the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition, the research describes the consequent effects of these changes on Omicron’s infectivity and immune evasion capabilities.

5 Jan 2022

Transplant recipients benefit from a COVID-19 vaccine booster

A new preprint research paper posted to the medRxiv* server describes the reduction in humoral immunity in SOTR following vaccination, as well as the improvement with an additional dose of the vaccine.

4 Jan 2022

Time since COVID vaccination is a key driver of breakthrough Omicron infections

Published on the preprint medRxiv* server and awaiting peer review, the findings showed that the significant factor behind breakthrough Omicron infections is the timing from vaccination. The time between vaccination and breakthrough infections induced effective or cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies that neutralize Omicron after Alpha or Delta breakthrough infections.

4 Jan 2022

Prime Minister updates the public on UK government’s ongoing actions to tackle COVID-19

The Prime Minister today updated the public on the government's ongoing actions to tackle COVID-19 and prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed, including implementing Plan B measures, standing up local Nightingales to create extra capacity, buying more antivirals per person than anywhere else in Europe, significantly increasing testing capacity and rolling out the vital booster program.

4 Jan 2022

New study on NAbs against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant after vaccination or infection

A recent study suggests neutralizing antibody responses against variants of concern, including Omicron, differs significantly between vaccinated and naturally infected individuals. The research, posted to the medRxiv* preprint server, focused on vaccinated individuals who are pregnant — an understudied group in COVID-19 research.

4 Jan 2022

Omicron News and Research

Booster dose elicits cross-reactive humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants

Pre-departure test not needed for eligible fully vaccinated travelers

Integrin/TGF-β1 inhibitors highly effective in attenuating COVID-19 severity

Study findings suggest spread of Omicron can be ascribed to immune evasiveness rather than an increase in transmissibility

Hospitalization and death associated with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant compared to Delta variant

Public attitudes to the COVID-19 pandemic during the emergence of the Omicron variant

Exploring vaccine-induced cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

Comparison of the mutational profile of Omicron with other SARS-CoV-2 lineages

Statistical analysis reveals less severe COVID-19 outcome due to Omicron variant

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines offer protection against Omicron variant in pregnancy

mRNA booster vaccine confers strong protection against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron in cancer patients

Scientists provide a structural framework for Omicron immune evasion and ACE2 receptor recognition

Transplant recipients benefit from a COVID-19 vaccine booster

Time since COVID vaccination is a key driver of breakthrough Omicron infections

Prime Minister updates the public on UK government’s ongoing actions to tackle COVID-19

New study on NAbs against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant after vaccination or infection

Experts cautiously optimistic about risks of Delta-Omicron mutations mix

SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine boosters crucial in maintaining neutralizing antibodies in HCPs

CDC updates COVID-19 vaccine recommendations to ensure the best possible protection for Americans

Efficacy of antibodies induced by natural infection, vaccination, or both against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Beta variants

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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