Spike Protein News and Research

RSS

Biomarker discovery boosts long-COVID prediction accuracy to 78.5%

Researchers identify four critical biomarkers associated with long-COVID, offering a 78.5% accuracy in predicting the condition. This discovery paves the way for diagnostic tests and offers insights into the mechanisms of persistent post-COVID symptoms.

1 Nov 2023

Hospitalization and mortality risks from COVID-19 by age during SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants’ predominance

Age-stratified hospitalization and mortality risks from incident SARS-CoV-2 infections.

1 Nov 2023

Human-to-lion COVID transmission confirmed: Singapore study rings alarm bells for endangered species

The study reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant was transmitted from humans to lions at a Singapore zoo, emphasizing the risk to captive and endangered animals. The researchers call for strict infection control measures and suggest vaccinations for susceptible animals to protect them from anthropogenic viral transmissions.

30 Oct 2023

New omicron sublineages surge, but Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent booster retains effectiveness

The efficacy of the bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine BNT162b2 BA.4/5.

30 Oct 2023

NF-κB activation during COVID-19 and its impact on patients with hypertension

Researchers review the role of NF-κB activation in the replication of SARS-CoV-2 and the impact of COVID-19 medications on NF-κB activation.

25 Oct 2023

Omicron's edge: boosters pressure SARS-CoV-2 to adapt and evolve

The effects of vaccine booster doses on the adaptive evolution of the virus.

25 Oct 2023

Decoding the twist: Coronavirus spike proteins reveal their intricate invasion dance

Researchers use cryo-EM and molecular dynamics to reveal conformational changes in the spike proteins of human coronavirus HKU1 upon binding with a receptor. Findings unveil the complexity of beta coronavirus attachment, suggesting a more intricate mechanism of host cell invasion than previously understood.

8 Oct 2023

SARS-CoV-2 infection in coronary vessels linked to cardiovascular complications

Researchers reported that the increased long-term risk of acute cardiovascular complications associated with COVID-19 is linked to SARS-CoV-2 infecting coronary vessels and inducing the formation of plaques.

3 Oct 2023

New study reveals BA.2.86 subvariant's surprising dance with antibodies

Researchers examined the antigenicity of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 subvariant BA.2.86, finding that it is not resistant to neutralizing antibodies from previously infected or vaccinated individuals, although it does show increased binding affinity to the ACE-2 receptor. The study highlights the subvariant's sensitivity and resistance to different classes of monoclonal antibodies, offering insights for future treatment and vaccine development.

2 Oct 2023

Aerosolized ACE2 neutralizes COVID-19 variants in lab and mice tests

Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern have developed an aerosolized, mutated form of ACE2 that effectively neutralizes various SARS-CoV-2 variants in both cell cultures and mice. The study suggests that this modified ACE2 has promising preventive and therapeutic potential against COVID-19, especially with its easy aerosolized administration.

28 Sep 2023

Vaxzevria vaccine boosts mucosal immunity in COVID-19 recovered

Study highlights the ability of the Vaxzevria vaccine in inducing robust mucosal antibody responses, especially in COVID-19-recovered individuals, showcasing a notable defense against various SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, it emphasizes the need for booster doses to enhance anti-SARS-CoV-2 mucosal immunity, especially in infection-naïve individuals, to broaden protection against emerging viral variants.

28 Sep 2023

New material more efficient at capturing coronavirus proteins with minimal impact on breathability

A research team at the University of Liverpool has developed a new material that captures coronavirus particles and could transform the efficiency of face masks and other filter equipment to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

26 Sep 2023

Intranasal vaccine shows promise against COVID variants in hamsters

Intranasal mRNA-LNP vaccines show promise in Syrian golden hamsters, effectively reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral loads and lung pathology. The study suggests potential efficacy against new variants, setting the stage for future research in human applications.

25 Sep 2023

One gene variant could be a shield against severe COVID-19 lung damage

Researchers identify a specific genetic variant, rs2204985, linked to less severe lung involvement and a stronger immune response in COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia. The study suggests that understanding this genetic marker could help identify high-risk individuals and enhance strategies for prevention and treatment.

25 Sep 2023

Unlocking the power of mRNA vaccines: From COVID-19 to cancer and beyond

A comprehensive review in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy delves into the versatility and effectiveness of mRNA vaccines, from their game-changing role in COVID-19 to potential applications in cancer and rare diseases. Despite drawbacks like stability and high immunogenicity, advancements in vaccine technology have poised mRNA platforms as a robust tool for both preventive and therapeutic interventions.

21 Sep 2023

Study offers new insight into immune cells critical to successful vaccination against SARS-CoV-2

A study has revealed new details about a key population of immune system cells critical to successful vaccination against the pandemic virus, SARS-CoV-2.

21 Sep 2023

How well do current vaccines hold up against new SARS-CoV-2 variants BA.2.86 and FLip?

The study explores the efficacy of three-dose monovalent or bivalent vaccinations in neutralizing newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants BA.2.86 and FLip. While BA.2.86 showed lower immune evasion abilities compared to recent XBB variants, it was less effectively neutralized by the monoclonal antibody S309, raising questions about vaccine efficacy against evolving strains.

17 Sep 2023

Eris sublineage EG.5.1 can escape neutralizing antibodies better than other SARS-CoV-2 lineages

As a result of vaccination or infection, our immune system produces antibodies that attach to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, preventing the virus from entering and replicating within cells.

14 Sep 2023

COVID-19 doubles risk of early type 1 diabetes signs in high-risk children

New research in JAMA finds a temporal association between SARS-CoV-2 infections and the onset of islet autoimmunity, a precursor to type 1 diabetes, in genetically predisposed infants. The study underscores COVID-19 as a potential risk factor for the development of this form of diabetes in young children.

13 Sep 2023

How COVID-19 targets the pancreas revealed

The study uncovers the role of the PLAC8 protein in making the human pancreas vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection, leading to pancreatic injury and complications in severe COVID-19 cases. The findings open up new avenues for understanding how the virus affects multiple organ systems and offer a potential target for future treatments.

12 Sep 2023