Research

T cells take the lead in controlling SARS-CoV-2 and reducing COVID-19 disease severity

Ever since SARS-CoV-2 first appeared, researchers have been trying to understand whether sometimes the immune system does more harm than good during the acute phase of COVID-19. The latest study by researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology clearly argues in favor of the immune system.

Designed antiviral proteins inhibit SARS-CoV-2 in the lab

Computer-designed small proteins have now been shown to protect lab-grown human cells from SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

In the experiments, the lead antiviral candidate, named LCB1, rivaled the best-known SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in its protective actions. LCB1 is currently being evaluated in rodents.

Tiny antibody component highly effective against SARS-COV-2 in animal studies

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine scientists have isolated the smallest biological molecule to date that completely and specifically neutralizes the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is the cause of COVID-19. This antibody component, which is 10 times smaller than a full-sized antibody, has been used to construct a drug - known as Ab8 - for potential use as a therapeutic and prophylactic against SARS-CoV-2.

Which immune response could cause a vaccine against COVID-19?

Immune reactions caused by vaccination can help protect the organism, or sometimes may aggravate the condition. It is especially important now when multiple vaccines against COVID-19 are being developed. The top immunologists analyse types of immune response to predict what kind of vaccine would be the best.

COVID-19 study links strict social distancing to much lower chance of infection

Using public transportation, visiting a place of worship, or otherwise traveling from the home is associated with a significantly higher likelihood of testing positive with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, while practicing strict social distancing is associated with a markedly lower likelihood, suggests a study from researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Preliminary results from Russian trials find that vaccine candidates led to no serious adverse events and elicit antibody response

Results from two early-phase Russian non-randomised vaccine trials (Sputnik V) in a total of 76 people are published today in The Lancet, finding that two formulations of a two-part vaccine have a good safety profile with no serious adverse events detected over 42 days, and induce antibody responses in all participants within 21 days.

Steroid found to improve survival of critically ill COVID-19 patients

A new international study published today has shown that treating critically ill patients with COVID-19 with the steroid hydrocortisone improves their chances of recovery.

The study, led in the UK by Professor Anthony Gordon from Imperial College London with collaborators from the Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre, found that patients receiving intensive care who were treated with a regular fixed dose of the steroid hydrocortisone for seven days had a better chance of recovery, compared with the patients who were not treated with the steroid.

Research & Development

T cells take the lead in controlling SARS-CoV-2 and reducing COVID-19 disease severity

Designed antiviral proteins inhibit SARS-CoV-2 in the lab

Tiny antibody component highly effective against SARS-COV-2 in animal studies

Which immune response could cause a vaccine against COVID-19?

COVID-19 study links strict social distancing to much lower chance of infection

Preliminary results from Russian trials find that vaccine candidates led to no serious adverse events and elicit antibody response

Steroid found to improve survival of critically ill COVID-19 patients

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