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SARS-CoV-2 N501Y mutation adversely affects cellular immune response

Among these is the B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 variant, with its characteristic N501Y mutation. A new preprint on the bioRxiv server reports the impact of this mutation on CD4 T cell responses, including antigen presentation on cells expressing Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules.

4 Feb 2021

Study: Only 14% of the Bernese population developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2

In the canton of Bern, only 14% of the adult population were infected with the coronavirus and developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

4 Feb 2021

Study shows psychological impact of perceived COVID-19 health threat among Black Americans

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate communities worldwide, Black Americans who face racial discrimination in hospitals and doctor's offices weather additional stresses that can exacerbate threats from COVID-19.

4 Feb 2021

COVID-19 vaccination alone may not end the pandemic

A simulation-based study conducted at the Miami University, USA, has revealed that vaccination of the general population against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) alone is not sufficient to control the pandemic, given the current availability and implementation strategies.

4 Feb 2021

Dialysis patients are 4 times more likely to die from COVID-19

People undergoing long-term dialysis are almost 4 times more likely to die from COVID-19 and should be prioritized for vaccination, found a new Ontario study published in CMAJ.

4 Feb 2021

ZyCoV-D SARS-CoV-2 DNA vaccine shows robust immunogenicity and protective efficacy in Rhesus macaquesys

A team of scientists from India has recently tested the efficacy and immunogenicity of two different concentrations of a plasmid DNA-based vaccine candidate ZyCoV-D. The findings reveal that the vaccine candidate administered via Needle Free Injection System (NFIS) can significantly induce the production of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein-specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies for a prolonged period.

4 Feb 2021

Researchers call for trials of rapamycin to treat COVID-19

Researchers in the United States, China, and the UK have called for immediate large-scale clinical trials of an antibiotic called rapamycin as a prophylactic and treatment approach to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in older individuals.

4 Feb 2021

Phase I/II trial findings support use of CoronaVac vaccine in older individuals

Researchers in China have reported phase I/II clinical trial findings showing that the vaccine candidate CoronaVac is well tolerated among older individuals and effectively generates antibody responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARs-CoV-2) - the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

4 Feb 2021

New study supports UK’s delay of the SARS-CoV-2 Pfizer vaccine second dose

After reanalyzing data from 500,000 people in Israel who received the Pfizer vaccine, researchers suggest a single dose provides sufficient immunity after about 21 days, thus providing support for the UK’s decision to delay the second dose to 12 weeks.

4 Feb 2021

virusPHIX™ virus inactivation medium launched by RNAssist & Rapid Labs Ltd.

RNAssist (Cambridge UK) and Rapid Labs Ltd (Colchester, UK) have launched the virusPHIX™ range of virus inactivating and RNA stabilising transport media, following successful SARS-CoV-2 inactivation testing carried out by Public Health England (PHE).

From Rapid Labs Ltd 4 Feb 2021

Researchers develop thermostable RNA vaccine delivery platform

A new study describes the production of a new RNA vaccine delivery system that promises greater ease of storage and distribution. This could help boost vaccination rates in regions without adequate infrastructure for low-temperature storage.

4 Feb 2021

What are public preferences for COVID-19 vaccine prioritization strategies across the globe?

Researchers describe the results of a novel survey that asked members of the public in a range of countries for their thoughts on prioritization measures for vaccination programs against COVID-19.

4 Feb 2021

South African SARS-CoV-2 variant neutralized by two Chinese vaccines in case study

A new study offers some reassuring findings, reporting the successful neutralization of the South African SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC) 501Y.V2 by two vaccines developed in China.

4 Feb 2021

Pfizer vaccine and Eli Lilly monoclonal antibodies successfully neutralize SARS-CoV-2 UK variant, finds study

A new study reports the underlying basis of increased transmissibility in the N501Y UK variant and provides reassuring data on the efficacy of the Pfizer vaccine and Eli Lilly monoclonal antibodies in neutralizing it.

4 Feb 2021

Monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike's N-terminal prove highly protective in vivo

A new study server reports highly protective neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2.

4 Feb 2021

Researchers develop prototype COVID-19 vaccine using DNA vaccine platform

It is necessary to develop additional COVID-19 vaccines, as different vaccine approaches have their advantages and disadvantages and may work synergistically.

4 Feb 2021

Politicians must justify for mishandling COVID-19 pandemic, argues senior editor

Politicians around the world must be held to account for mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic, argues a senior editor at The BMJ today.

4 Feb 2021

Study shows how SARS-CoV-2 evades immune responses

In a recurring pattern of evolution, SARS-CoV-2 evades immune responses by selectively deleting small bits of its genetic sequence, according to new research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

4 Feb 2021

Poll data shows disparities in older adults’ ability to isolate COVID-19 persons in homes

One of the most important ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 is for people who have tested positive or have symptoms, to isolate themselves from the other people they live with.

4 Feb 2021

SARS-CoV-2 has developed worrying new mutation in UK

Over the past few months, surging cases have been reported due to new fast-spreading variants. Now, Public Health England (PHE) investigates cases of COVID-19 with worrying new genetic changes. The E484K mutation, which could allow SARS-CoV-2 escape antibody protection, was seen in a small group of cases in some regions of the country.

4 Feb 2021

Disease/Infection News

SARS-CoV-2 N501Y mutation adversely affects cellular immune response

Study: Only 14% of the Bernese population developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2

Study shows psychological impact of perceived COVID-19 health threat among Black Americans

COVID-19 vaccination alone may not end the pandemic

Dialysis patients are 4 times more likely to die from COVID-19

ZyCoV-D SARS-CoV-2 DNA vaccine shows robust immunogenicity and protective efficacy in Rhesus macaquesys

Researchers call for trials of rapamycin to treat COVID-19

Phase I/II trial findings support use of CoronaVac vaccine in older individuals

New study supports UK’s delay of the SARS-CoV-2 Pfizer vaccine second dose

virusPHIX™ virus inactivation medium launched by RNAssist & Rapid Labs Ltd.

Researchers develop thermostable RNA vaccine delivery platform

What are public preferences for COVID-19 vaccine prioritization strategies across the globe?

South African SARS-CoV-2 variant neutralized by two Chinese vaccines in case study

Pfizer vaccine and Eli Lilly monoclonal antibodies successfully neutralize SARS-CoV-2 UK variant, finds study

Monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike's N-terminal prove highly protective in vivo

Researchers develop prototype COVID-19 vaccine using DNA vaccine platform

Politicians must justify for mishandling COVID-19 pandemic, argues senior editor

Study shows how SARS-CoV-2 evades immune responses

Poll data shows disparities in older adults’ ability to isolate COVID-19 persons in homes

SARS-CoV-2 has developed worrying new mutation in UK

How the Vutara VXL simplifies single-molecule imaging

How cohesin mechanics and nanotracker tech are redefining DNA research

Todd Bauman and Chris Povich

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