Review
Immunology
Haoyue Cheng, Zhicheng Peng, Shuting Si, Xialidan Alifu, Haibo Zhou, Peihan Chi, Yan Zhuang, Minjia Mo, Yunxian Yu
Summary: A prime-boost strategy of COVID-19 vaccines can effectively enhance immune responses. Heterologous immunization is more effective than homologous immunization, and the combination of inactivated-mRNA vaccines has the highest antibody responses. Currently, only individuals primed with inactivated vaccines require a booster dose.
Article
Immunology
Chang Chu, Anne Schoenbrunn, Dorothea Fischer, Yvonne Liu, Johann-Georg Hocher, Jutta Weinerth, Kristin Klemm, Volker von Baehr, Bernhard K. Kraemer, Saban Elitok, Berthold Hocher
Summary: Due to rare but major adverse reactions, German health authorities recommended a heterologous booster vaccination (ChAd-BNT) for adults under 60 who received the AstraZeneca adenoviral vaccine (ChAd). Comparisons between the heterologous (ChAd-BNT) and homologous (BNT-BNT) vaccination regimens showed enhanced humoral and cellular immune responses in healthy controls, with neutralizing antibodies being higher after heterologous immunization. Immunocompromised patients, such as dialysis patients, benefitted more from the heterologous vaccination, showing adequate immune responses. Tumor and rheumatic patients also showed some benefits from the heterologous immunization, although to a lesser extent than dialysis patients.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiaoyin Zhang, Jiayue Xia, Lairun Jin, Yanfei Wu, Xiuyu Zheng, Xiang Cao, Xingchen Meng, Jingxin Li, Fengcai Zhu
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of heterologous or homologous COVID-19 vaccine regimens after the primary immunization with CoronaVac or Sinopharm vaccines. The results showed that both heterologous and homologous booster significantly improved the effectiveness against COVID-19 infection. The effectiveness ranged from 51.48% for two doses of inactivated vaccine to 89.19% for heterologous mRNA vaccine booster. Further evidence is still needed to confirm these findings.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nasamon Wanlapakorn, Nungruthai Suntronwong, Harit Phowatthanasathian, Ritthideach Yorsaeng, Preeyaporn Vichaiwattana, Thanunrat Thongmee, Chompoonut Auphimai, Donchida Srimuan, Thaksaporn Thatsanatorn, Suvichada Assawakosri, Sitthichai Kanokudom, Yong Poovorawan
Summary: This study assessed the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of heterologous regimens for COVID-19 vaccines in healthy Thai adults. The adverse events were mild and well tolerated overall. Heterologous regimens showed higher antibody responses and neutralizing activities. Spike-specific IgA response was detected only in the heterologous group. The interferon gamma response was detected in both heterologous groups after two-dose vaccination.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Otavio T. Ranzani, Matt D. T. Hitchings, Rosana Leite de Melo, Giovanny V. A. de Franca, Cassia de Fatima R. Fernandes, Margaret L. Lind, Mario Sergio Scaramuzzini Torres, Daniel Henrique Tsuha, Leticia C. S. David, Rodrigo F. C. Said, Maria Almiron, Roberto D. de Oliveira, Derek A. T. Cummings, Natalie E. Dean, Jason R. Andrews, Albert I. Ko, Julio Croda
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine boosters following a primary series of CoronaVac vaccination. The study shows that boosters provide protection against severe disease, with higher effectiveness from a BNT162b2 booster compared to a CoronaVac booster. The study estimates the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of homologous and heterologous (BNT162b2) booster doses in adults who received two doses of CoronaVac in Brazil during the Omicron wave. The results indicate a VE of 8.6% for symptomatic disease and 56.8% for severe COVID-19 after receiving a homologous booster, while the VE for symptomatic disease is 56.8% and for severe COVID-19 is 86.0% after receiving a heterologous booster. Waning effectiveness against severe COVID-19 is observed only after 120 days in individuals who received a homologous booster. Heterologous boosters might be preferable for individuals who have completed a primary series of inactivated vaccines.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Pei Li, Weiwei Wang, Yiming Tao, Xiaoyu Tan, Yujing Li, Yinjun Mao, Le Gao, Lei Feng, Siyan Zhan, Feng Sun
Summary: This study evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of homologous and heterologous immunization schedules. The results showed that a dose of BNT162b2 as a booster significantly enhances immunogenicity reactions compared to two doses of Sinovac vaccine, with a relatively acceptable risk for serious adverse events (SAEs) compared to other vaccines. For primary vaccination, schedules including mRNA vaccines induce a greater immune response, but the comparatively higher risk for local and systemic adverse events introduced by mRNA vaccines should be noted.
CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Dechasa Adare Mengistu, Yohannes Mulugeta Demmu, Yohanis Alemeshet Asefa
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the global acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccine, which was found to be 64.9%. The study indicated variations in vaccine acceptance across regions and occupations, highlighting potential challenges in managing the pandemic.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Kuan-Yin Lin, Pei-Ying Wu, Wang -Da Liu, Hsin-Yun Sun, Szu-Min Hsieh, Wang-Huei Sheng, Chien-Ching Hung, Shan-Chwen Chang
Summary: This study demonstrates that COVID-19 vaccination is clinically effective among people living with HIV (PLWH) in an outbreak setting with low endemicity of COVID-19 and strict non-pharmaceutical interventions.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Alexandre R. Marra, Takaaki Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Mohammed Alsuhaibani, Bruna Marques Tofaneto, Luigi Makowski Bariani, Mariana de Amorim Auler, Jorge L. Salinas, Michael B. Edmond, Michelle Doll, Jose Mauro Kutner, Joao Renato Rebello Pinho, Luiz Vicente Rizzo, Joao Luiz Miraglia, Marin L. Schweizer
Summary: This study assessed the short-term effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines among immunocompromised patients and found that they were effective against symptomatic COVID-19 infection but had lower effectiveness compared to the control group. Further research is needed to understand the discordance between antibody production and protection against symptomatic COVID-19 infection.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Gunjan Kumar, Samikshya Jena, Niher Tabassum Snigdha, Sakeenabi Basha, Jayaraj Kodangattil Narayanan, Alexander Maniangat Luke
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the acceptability levels of COVID vaccines in different states in India. After screening numerous articles, 23 papers were included in the review, which revealed a high acceptance rate (>70%) for the vaccine among the Indian population. The pooled estimate showed that 62.6% of individuals in India accepted the COVID-19 vaccine, indicating considerable heterogeneity in acceptance.
Article
Immunology
Rome Buathong, Taweewun Hunsawong, Supaporn Wacharapluesadee, Suriya Guharat, Ratthapat Jirapipatt, Sasiprapa Ninwattana, Nattakarn Thippamom, Anusara Jitsatja, Anthony R. Jones, Kamonthip Rungrojchareonkit, Jindarat Lohachanakul, Rungarun Suthangkornkul, Kedsara Tayong, Chonticha Klungthong, Stefan Fernandez, Opass Putcharoen
Summary: In this study, the levels of neutralizing antibodies against different strains of SARS-CoV-2 were evaluated in healthcare workers who received CoronaVac as their primary vaccination. The results showed that the titers of neutralizing antibodies after the primary vaccination were insufficient to effectively neutralize all strains. Different booster vaccine combinations were then administered, and it was found that a combination of ChAdOx1 and BNT162b2 induced the highest level of neutralization against Omicron VOC.
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Emma K. Accorsi, Amadea Britton, Nong Shang, Katherine E. Fleming-Dutra, Ruth Link-Gelles, Zachary R. Smith, Gordana Derado, Joseph Miller, Stephanie J. Schrag, Jennifer R. Verani
Summary: The study assessed the protection against the omicron variant in individuals vaccinated with the adenovirus-based vaccine and received a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine. It was found that a single booster dose of an mRNA vaccine provided protection close to that of a three-dose mRNA vaccine regimen in recipients of the initial dose of Ad26.COV2.S.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Kun Xu, Zihan Wang, Maorong Qin, Yangyu Gao, Na Luo, Wanting Xie, Yihan Zou, Jie Wang, Xingming Ma
Summary: Vaccination is crucial in preventing COVID-19 infections and deaths in older adults. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in this population. The findings indicate that the vaccines are effective in preventing infections and reducing deaths, but adverse events were observed. Therefore, COVID-19 vaccination should be recommended as a strategy to control the disease in older adults.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kuo-Tung Tang, Bo-Chueh Hsu, Der-Yuan Chen
Summary: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in protecting rheumatic patients from severe illness. The immunogenicity of the vaccines is impaired in rheumatic patients but greatly enhanced after the second dose. Anti-CD20 therapy is associated with impaired humoral immunogenicity. Except for an increased incidence of arthralgia, adverse events due to COVID-19 vaccines in rheumatic patients are similar to those in healthy controls.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Baoqi Zeng, Le Gao, Qingxin Zhou, Kai Yu, Feng Sun
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC). The results showed that full vaccination was highly effective against the Alpha variant and moderately effective against the Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants. Booster vaccination was more effective against the Delta and Omicron variants. mRNA vaccines appeared to have higher effectiveness against the VOC compared to other vaccines.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lin Wang, Junjian Chen, Xiangze Zeng, Peter Pak-Hang Cheung, Xiaoyan Zheng, Liangxu Xie, Xuetao Shi, Li Ren, Xuhui Huang, Yingjun Wang
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Peter Pak-Hang Cheung, Biaobin Jiang, Gregory T. Booth, Tin Hang Chong, Ilona Christy Unarta, Yuqing Wang, Gianmarco D. Suarez, Jiguang Wang, John T. Lis, Xuhui Huang
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ka-Tim Choy, Alvina Yin-Lam Wong, Prathanporn Kaewpreedee, Sin Fun Sia, Dongdong Chen, Kenrie Pui Yan Hui, Daniel Ka Wing Chu, Michael Chi Wai Chan, Peter Pak-Hang Cheung, Xuhui Huang, Malik Peiris, Hui-Ling Yen
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaowei Wang, Ilona Christy Unarta, Peter Pak-Hang Cheung, Xuhui Huang
Summary: This article introduces a protocol specifically tailored for studying functional conformational changes of proteins, emphasizing the importance of selecting proper molecular features to describe the slowest timescales of interest. The recommendation of spectral oASIS and deep learning methods for automatic feature selection and discovering collective variables is provided. Through case studies on DNA repair enzymes and RNA polymerases, recent applications of MSMs in elucidating molecular mechanisms of functional conformational changes are reviewed, along with discussions on the challenges and future prospects in constructing MSMs for studying protein conformational changes.
CURRENT OPINION IN STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ilona Christy Unarta, Siqin Cao, Shintaroh Kubo, Wei Wang, Peter Pak-Hang Cheung, Xin Gao, Shoji Takada, Xuhui Huang
Summary: The study elucidated the dynamics of Thermus aquaticus holoenzyme's gate opening using a quasi-Markov State Model, revealing the differential roles of beta-lobe and clamp in DNA loading and the mechanism by which Myxopyronin inhibits clamp opening. Additionally, a critical role of beta-lobe in DNA loading was uncovered, presenting an opportunity for the development of antibiotics targeting this region of RNAP. The study also demonstrated the potential of quasi-Markov State Models in studying biomolecular dynamics based on generalized master equation formalism.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xinzhou Xu, Lu Zhang, Julie Tung Sem Chu, Yuqing Wang, Alex Wing Hong Chin, Tin Hang Chong, Zixi Dai, Leo Lit Man Poon, Peter Pak-Hang Cheung, Xuhui Huang
Summary: The study demonstrated that the RdRp PB1 subunit residues R239 and K235 play a crucial role in controlling the activity and fidelity of IAV RdRp. Contrary to common beliefs, the single lysine-to-arginine mutation on K235 showed enhanced fidelity and activity, with a 1.9-fold increase in transcription activity and a 4.6-fold increase in fidelity compared to wild-type. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the higher activity of the mutant RdRp is due to the closer distance between K235R and the triphosphate moiety of NTP compared to wild-type. These findings provide new insights into NTP incorporation and fidelity control mechanisms for the rational design of IAV vaccine and antiviral targets.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Gianmarco D. Suarez, Domenick A. Suarez, Yuki Yu Kiu Tang, Jing-Xuan Zhang, Jun Li, Stefan Nagl, Peter Pak-Hang Cheung
Summary: Improved diagnostics are crucial for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, the sensitivity of colorimetric SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP assays was enhanced using triarylmethane dyes. A mechanism for the color changes was identified and sensitivities of 10 RNA copies per microliter were achieved.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2022)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Wing Ying Au, Peter Pak Hang Cheung
Article
Infectious Diseases
Wing Ying Au, Peter Pak Hang Cheung
Summary: Among the three nucleic acid tests, digital PCR showed the highest diagnostic sensitivity, followed by quantitative PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification. However, their accuracy does not differ significantly but depends on specific experimental conditions.
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Wing Ying Au, Chengjin Ye, Sydney Leigh Briner, Gianmarco Domenico Suarez, Jeewon Han, Xinzhou Xu, Jun-Gyu Park, Melinda Ann Brindley, Luis Martinez-Sobrido, Peter Pak-Hang Cheung
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ilona Christy Unarta, Jianchao Xu, Yuan Shang, Carina Hey Pui Cheung, Ruichi Zhu, Xudong Chen, Siqin Cao, Peter Pak-Hang Cheung, Donald Bierer, Mingjie Zhang, Xuhui Huang, Xuechen Li
Summary: Stapled peptides are a promising type of protein-protein interaction inhibitors that enhance binding potency through entropy gain. By studying the enthalpic and entropic contributions of stapled peptides targeting the PSD-95 GK domain, researchers successfully designed a stapled peptide (staple 1) with significantly increased binding affinity, mainly attributed to the constrained-helix structure in solution. Further design of staple 2 and 3 demonstrated larger entropy gains, but the loose binding in their bound states offset the excess entropy gain, highlighting the importance of stability in free solution for rational stapled peptide design.
RSC CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lu Zhang, Dong Zhang, Xiaowei Wang, Congmin Yuan, Yongfang Li, Xilin Jia, Xin Gao, Hui-Ling Yen, Peter Pak-Hang Cheung, Xuhui Huang
Summary: Remdesivir effectively inhibits SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA replication by interfering with nucleotide addition and proofreading mechanisms, reducing the likelihood of viral replication. The molecular dynamics simulations provide insights into the inhibitory mechanisms of Remdesivir, guiding potential rational designs for new COVID-19 treatments targeting viral replication.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Yuqing Wang, Tin Hang Chong, Ilona Christy Unarta, Xinzhou Xu, Gianmarco D. Suarez, Jiguang Wang, John T. Lis, Xuhui Huang, Peter Pak-Hang Cheung
Summary: Transcription errors can significantly impact metabolic processes in organisms, with specific Transcription Error-Enriched genomic Loci (TEELs) hypothesized to be linked to cancer, aging, and diseases like Down syndrome and Alzheimer's. However, methodological barriers hinder progress in accurately identifying transcription errors.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Carmen Ka Man Tse, Jun Xu, Liang Xu, Fu Kit Sheong, Shenglong Wang, Hoi Yee Chow, Xin Gao, Xuechen Li, Peter Pak-Hang Cheung, Dong Wang, Yingkai Zhang, Xuhui Huang