R&D

SARS-CoV-2: New findings on the persistence of neutralizing antibodies

It is an open question to what extent protection against reinfection persists after overcoming a SARS-CoV-2 infection. The "Rhineland Study", a population-based study conducted by DZNE in the Bonn area, is now providing new findings in this regard. Blood samples taken last year indicate that an important component of immunity - the levels of specific neutralizing antibodies against the coronavirus - had dropped in

B.1.1.7. variant more transmissible, does not increase severity, Lancet studies suggest

Two new studies, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases and The Lancet Public Health, found no evidence that people with the B.1.1.7. variant experience worse symptoms or a heightened risk of developing long COVID compared with those infected with a different COVID-19 strain. However, viral load and R number were higher for B.1.1.7., adding to growing evidence that it is more transmissible than the first strain detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

COVID-19 causes 'unexpected' cellular response in the lungs

New insights into the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infections could bring better treatments for COVID-19 cases.

An international team of researchers unexpectedly found that a biochemical pathway, known as the immune complement system, is triggered in lung cells by the virus, which might explain why the disease is so difficult to treat.

Prioritizing who gets vaccinated for COVID-19 saves lives

Waiting for your turn can be frustrating, especially when it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations. But prioritizing who receives the limited supply of vaccines available saves lives and reduces spread of infection, according to a study published in the journal PNAS from the University of California, Davis.

Anti-inflammatory drug protects against lethal inflammation from COVID-19 in animal models

Mount Sinai researchers have found that a widely available and inexpensive drug targeting inflammatory genes has reduced morbidity and mortality in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. In a study published today in the journal Cell, the team reported that the drug, Topotecan (TPT), inhibited the expression of inflammatory genes in the lungs of mice as late as four days after infection, a finding with potential implications for treatment of humans.

Will COVID-19 vaccines need to be adapted regularly?

Influenza vaccines need to be evaluated every year to ensure they remain effective against new influenza viruses. Will the same apply to COVID-19 vaccines? In order to gauge whether and to what extent this may be necessary, a team of researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin compared the evolution of endemic 'common cold' coronaviruses with that of influenza viruses.

Targeting a new antibody supersite key to COVID immunity

Scientists are learning that a lesser-studied region on the pandemic coronavirus is recognized by COVID-19 infection-fighting antibodies. These antibodies were identified in blood samples from previously infected patients, and were found to potently prevent the virus from infecting cells.

Research & Development

SARS-CoV-2: New findings on the persistence of neutralizing antibodies

B.1.1.7. variant more transmissible, does not increase severity, Lancet studies suggest

COVID-19 causes 'unexpected' cellular response in the lungs

Prioritizing who gets vaccinated for COVID-19 saves lives

Anti-inflammatory drug protects against lethal inflammation from COVID-19 in animal models

Will COVID-19 vaccines need to be adapted regularly?

Targeting a new antibody supersite key to COVID immunity

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