Article
Immunology
Karlijn van der Straten, Denise Guerra, Marit J. van Gils, Ilja Bontjer, Tom G. Caniels, Hugo D. G. van Willigen, Elke Wynberg, Meliawati Poniman, Judith A. Burger, Joey H. Bouhuijs, Jacqueline van Rijswijk, Wouter Olijhoek, Marinus H. Liesdek, A. H. Ayesha Lavell, Brent Appelman, Jonne J. Sikkens, Marije K. Bomers, Alvin X. Han, Brooke E. Nichols, Maria Prins, Harry Vennema, Chantal Reusken, Marije Menno D. de Jong, Godelieve J. de Bree, Colin A. Russell, Dirk Eggink, Rogier W. Sanders
Summary: Large-scale vaccination campaigns have been effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19, but the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants that can evade immunity poses challenges to vaccine effectiveness. This study found that certain variants, particularly Omicron BA.1 and BA.2, were highly resistant to neutralization by antibodies produced in response to other variants. This suggests that vaccine updates may be necessary to ensure continued protection against evolving strains.
News Item
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Heidi Ledford
Summary: As cases of the coronavirus variant continue to spread, researchers are eagerly awaiting crucial data on the severity of the disease to assist countries in planning their response.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentin A. Bobrin, Sung-Po R. Chen, Carlos Fitzgerald Grandes Reyes, Tim Smith, Damian F. J. Purcell, Jason Armstrong, Julie L. McAuley, Michael J. Monteiro
Summary: Continued transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has led to the emergence of more infectious and virulent variants, with Omicron currently being the dominant variant. Vaccines alone are not enough to control the pandemic due to waning immunity and the emergence of new variants. However, the application of an antiviral coating and the use of physical barriers such as masks can effectively inactivate the virus and prevent its spread.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Soumya G. Remesh, Gregory E. Merz, Axel F. Brilot, Un Seng Chio, Alexandrea N. Rizo, Thomas H. Pospiech Jr, Irene Lui, Mathew T. Laurie, Jeff Glasgow, Chau Q. Le, Yun Zhang, Devan Diwanji, Evelyn Hernandez, Jocelyne Lopez, Hevatib Mehmood, Komal Ishwar Pawar, Sergei Pourmal, Amber M. Smith, Fengbo Zhou, Joseph DeRisi, Tanja Kortemme, Oren S. Rosenberg, Anum Glasgow, Kevin K. Leung, James A. Wells, Kliment A. Verba
Summary: The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 has 15 mutations in the Spike receptor-binding domain (Spike-RBD), which makes most clinical monoclonal antibodies ineffective against the wild-type SARS-CoV-2. Researchers have engineered the ACE2 host entry receptor to tightly bind to the wild-type RBD, preventing viral entry into host cells. Cryo-EM structures of the engineered receptor traps in complex with the stabilized Spike ectodomain were determined, providing a mechanistic explanation for their high-affinity binding to Omicron-RBD. The ACE2 receptor traps have shown potent neutralization against Omicron and Delta pseudotyped viruses, offering alternative therapeutic options against this evolving virus.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Vanesa Seery, Silvina Raiden, Constanza Russo, Mauricio Borda, Largion Herrera, Macarena Uranga, Augusto Varese, Maria Marco del Pont, Carina Chirino, Constanza Erramuspe, Laura Silvana Alvarez, Melisa Lenoir, Laura Daniela Morales, Carolina Davenport, Alexsa Alarcon Flores, Soledad Huespe Auchter, Yanina Ruiz, Liliana Monsalvo, Laura Sastoque, Magali Gavazzi, Ignacio Mazzitelli, Facundo Di Diego, Yesica Longueira, Bianca Mazzitelli, Ines Sananez, Norberto De Carli, Mirna Marcela Biglione, Juan Martin Gomez Penedo, Ana Ceballos, Natalia Laufer, Fernando Ferrero, Jorge Geffner, Lourdes Arruvito
Summary: This observational study compared the antibody response between unvaccinated infected children and adults. The study found that unvaccinated infected children mount a more potent and sustained antibody response compared to adults, which is further increased after vaccination. Further studies are needed to optimize vaccination strategies for children.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Melissa Garcia-Vega, Edgar A. Melgoza-Gonzalez, Sofia Hernandez-Valenzuela, Diana Hinojosa-Trujillo, Monica Resendiz-Sandoval, Mara Anais Llamas-Covarrubias, Martin Loza-Lopez, Olivia Valenzuela, Alan Soto-Gaxiola, Miguel A. Hernandez-Onate, Veronica Mata-Haro, Irene Cassaniti, Jose Camilla Sammartino, Alessandro Ferrari, Luca Simonelli, Mattia Pedotti, Rui Sun, Fanglei Zuo, Fausto Baldanti, Luca Varani, Harold Marcotte, Qiang Pan-Hammarstrom, Jesus Hernandez
Summary: This study isolated and characterized a human monoclonal antibody (mAb) called 19n01, which has a potent and broad capacity to bind and neutralize all previously circulating variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2, including Omicron sublineages BA.1, BA.2, and BA.4/5. The antibody showed high affinity and cross-competition with ACE2 binding, indicating its potential as an effective therapeutic agent against Omicron variants.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiejie Geng, Xu Yang, Kun Wang, Ke Wang, Ruo Chen, Zhi-Nan Chen, Chuan Qin, Guizhen Wu, Youchun Wang, Ke Xu, Peng Du, Jiangning Liu, Shirui Chen, Tao Zhang, Xiuxuan Sun, Ting Guo, Ying Shi, Zheng Zhang, Ding Wei, Peng Lin, Qingyi Wang, Jing Yuan, Jiuxin Qu, Jin Zou, Yingxia Liu, Hongzhou Lu, Ping Zhu, Huijie Bian, Liang Chen
Summary: The Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2, first identified in South Africa in November 2021, have triggered the fifth wave of global pandemics. Through systematic examination, it was found that Omicron showed resistance to neutralizing antibodies targeting the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the wildtype SARS-CoV-2. Omicron also generated additional CD8+ T cell epitopes compared to the Delta variant, and booster vaccination increased cross-memory CD8+ T cell responses against Omicron.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Yuanmei Zhu, Xiaojing Dong, Nian Liu, Tong Wu, Huihui Chong, Xiaobo Lei, Lili Ren, Jianwei Wang, Yuxian He
Summary: This study focuses on the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and other variants of concern, and finds that lipopeptide-based fusion inhibitors show potent antiviral activity against Omicron, suggesting their potential as broad-spectrum antivirals.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Priyanka Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Manish Kumar Tripathi, Deepali Gupta, Poorvi Vishwakarma, Uddipan Das, Punit Kaur
Summary: This study analyzed the genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 variants and their phylogenetic relationships. The findings showed that the delta and omicron variants have higher transmissibility and severity. This study provides a foundation for developing novel therapeutics and vaccine candidates against the virus.
COMPUTERS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Donzelli, Ludovica Ciuffreda, Martina Pontone, Martina Betti, Alice Massacci, Carla Mottini, Francesca De Nicola, Giulia Orlandi, Frauke Goeman, Eugenia Giuliani, Eleonora Sperandio, Giulia Piaggio, Aldo Morrone, Gennaro Ciliberto, Maurizio Fanciulli, Giovanni Blandino, Fulvia Pimpinelli, Matteo Pallocca
Summary: Tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern via whole genome sequencing is crucial for containing the pandemic, as it provides insights into immune escape and aids in implementing interventions. However, NGS laboratories worldwide face challenges in processing large numbers of swabs efficiently.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Juan Shi, Gang Wang, Jian Zheng, Abhishek K. Verma, Xiaoqing Guan, Moffat M. Malisheni, Qibin Geng, Fang Li, Stanley Perlman, Lanying Du
Summary: This study evaluated the neutralizing activity and protection provided by a BA1-S subunit vaccine in combination with or as a booster dose after administration of wild-type S protein. The results showed that the vaccine elicited high levels of neutralizing antibodies and provided protection against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants and related coronaviruses. This provides useful guidance for developing effective vaccines to control the COVID-19 pandemic.
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Jingyou Yu, Ai-ris Y. Collier, Marjorie Rowe, Fatima Mardas, John D. Ventura, Huahua Wan, Jessica Miller, Olivia Powers, Benjamin Chung, Mazuba Siamatu, Nicole P. Hachmann, Nehalee Surve, Felix Nampanya, Abishek Chandrashekar, Dan H. Barouch
Summary: Although immunity from two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine diminishes over time, a booster dose significantly enhances the neutralizing antibodies against both the BA.1 and BA.2 variants.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Alessio Mazzoni, Anna Vanni, Michele Spinicci, Manuela Capone, Giulia Lamacchia, Lorenzo Salvati, Marco Coppi, Alberto Antonelli, Alberto Carnasciali, Parham Farahvachi, Nicla Giovacchini, Noemi Aiezza, Francesca Malentacchi, Lorenzo Zammarchi, Francesco Liotta, Gian Maria Rossolini, Alessandro Bartoloni, Lorenzo Cosmi, Laura Maggi, Francesco Annunziato
Summary: This study found that previous Alpha variant infection can reactivate CD4+ T cell memory, and most Spike-specific CD4+ T cell responses are conserved against SARS-CoV-2 variants, providing an effective defense against the development of severe COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Barbara M. Schultz, Felipe Melo-Gonzalez, Luisa F. Duarte, Nicolas M. S. Galvez, Gaspar A. Pacheco, Jorge A. Soto, Roslye Berrios-Rojas, Liliana A. Gonzalez, Daniela Moreno-Tapia, Daniela Rivera-Perez, Mariana Rios, Yaneisi Vazquez, Guillermo Hoppe-Elsholz, Catalina A. Andrade-Parra, Omar P. Vallejos, Alejandro Pina-Iturbe, Carolina Iturriaga, Marcela Urzua, Maria S. Navarrete, Alvaro Rojas, Rodrigo Fasce, Jorge Fernandez, Judith Mora, Eugenio Ramirez, Aracelly Gaete-Argel, Monica Acevedo, Fernando Valiente-Echeverria, Ricardo Soto-Rifo, Daniela Weiskopf, Alba Grifoni, Alessandro Sette, Gang Zeng, Weining Meng, Jose Gonzalez-Aramundiz, Pablo A. Gonzalez, Katia Abarca, Alexis M. Kalergis, Susan M. Bueno
Summary: This study reports the impact of a booster dose of CoronaVac on the immune response against Delta and Omicron variants. Four weeks after the booster dose, there was a significant increase in neutralizing antibodies, and specific T cells reached their peak. Furthermore, the immune response induced by the booster showed activity against Delta and Omicron variants.
Article
Immunology
Elisa Regenhardt, Holger Kirsten, Melanie Weiss, Christoph Luebbert, Sebastian N. Stehr, Yvonne Remane, Corinna Pietsch, Mario Hoenemann, Amrei von Braun
Summary: Understanding breakthrough infections of SARS-CoV-2 in vaccinated healthcare workers is crucial in controlling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare facilities. A cohort study was conducted to investigate acute SARS-CoV-2 infections in vaccinated employees. The majority of breakthrough infections were symptomatic, with high viral loads and prolonged shedding. Neutralizing antibody titers were highest for the wildtype, intermediate for Delta, and lowest for Omicron variants. Lower levels of anti-RBD-IgG were associated with higher viral loads for both variants. Overall, the clinical course of infection was mild to moderate, but immune response waned over time.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ana Maria Torres-Mejia, Cesar Rodriguez, Francisco Duarte, Mauricio Jimenez-Soto, Fernando Esperon, Kinndle Blanco-Pena
VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES
(2018)
Article
Food Science & Technology
J. Campos, M. Pichel, T. M. I. Vaz, A. T. Tavechio, S. A. Fernandes, N. Munoz, C. Rodriguez, M. E. Realpe, J. Moreno, P. Araya, J. Fernandez, A. Fernandez, E. Campos, F. Duarte, N. Weiler Gustafson, N. Binsztein, E. Perez Gutierrez
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2012)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Francisco Duarte Martinez, Luz Marina Sanchez-Salazar, Maria Teresa Acuna-Calvo, Hilda Maria Bolanos-Acuna, Isis Dittel-Dittel, Elena Campos-Chacon
FOODBORNE PATHOGENS AND DISEASE
(2010)
Article
Microbiology
Silvina P. Brengi, Qiangzheng Sun, Hilda Bolanos, Francisco Duarte, Claire Jenkins, Mariana Pichel, Mohammad Shahnaij, Evangeline G. Sowers, Nancy Strockbine, Kaisar A. Talukder, Gordana Derado, Maria Rosa Vinas, Kai Man Kam, Jianguo Xu
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2019)
Review
Oncology
Lucia Figueroa-Protti, Rebeca Soto-Molinari, Melany Calderon-Osorno, Javier Mora, Warner Alpizar-Alpizar
JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Maria Jose Rodriguez-Gonzalez, Maria Antonieta Jimenez-Pearson, Francisco Duarte, Tomas Poklepovich, Josefina Campos, Luis Nazario Araya-Sanchez, Manuel Chirino-Trejo, Elias Barquero-Calvo
MICROBIAL DRUG RESISTANCE
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jose Arturo Molina-Mora, Estela Cordero-Laurent, Adriana Godinez, Melany Calderon-Osorno, Hebleen Brenes, Claudio Soto-Garita, Cristian Perez-Corrales, Jan Felix Drexler, Andres Moreira-Soto, Eugenia Corrales-Aguilar, Francisco Duarte-Martinez
Summary: Genome sequencing is crucial in monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Latin America being heavily impacted. The genomic analysis in Costa Rica revealed the introduction of lineages from other regions, detection of common mutations, and a significant increase in the Spike-T1117I variant locally. Continuous monitoring and further research on the genomic features of the virus are necessary during the pandemic.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sabrina Lazo-Lascarez, Leana Zumbado Gutierrez, Francisco Duarte-Martinez, Juan Jose Romero Zuniga, Maria Laura Arias Echandi, Lohendy Munoz-Vargas
Summary: Campylobacter spp. are a common bacterial cause of human gastroenteritis, with a high frequency of resistant strains showing resistance mainly to quinolones. Effective surveillance and control strategies are essential for mitigating foodborne diseases, and the rational use of antibiotics is crucial in containing the spread of resistant strains.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROTECTION
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Blanca M. Perez-Sepulveda, Darren Heavens, Caisey Pulford, Alexander Predeus, Ross Low, Hermione Webster, Gregory F. Dykes, Christian Schudoma, Will Rowe, James Lipscombe, Chris Watkins, Benjamin Kumwenda, Neil Shearer, Karl Costigan, Kate S. Baker, Nicholas A. Feasey, Jay C. D. Hinton, Neil Hall
Summary: An efficient and cost-effective pipeline has been developed for large-scale collection and genome sequencing of bacterial isolates. Through a worldwide collaboration, over 10,000 diverse isolates of Salmonella enterica were collected and sequenced at a reagent cost of less than USD$10 per genome. This method is applicable to other large bacterial collections to support global collaborations.
Article
Immunology
L. Ricardo Castellanos, Linda van der Graaf-van Bloois, Pilar Donado-Godoy, Kees Veldman, Francisco Duarte, Maria T. Acuna, Claudia Jarquin, Francois-Xavier Weill, Dik J. Mevius, Jaap A. Wagenaar, Joost Hordijk, Aldert L. Zomer
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
K. S. Baker, J. Campos, M. Pichel, A. Della Gaspera, F. Duarte-Martinez, E. Campos-Chacon, H. M. Bolanos-Acuna, C. Guzman-Verri, A. E. Mather, S. Diaz Velasco, M. L. Zamudio Rojas, J. L. Forbester, T. R. Connor, K. H. Keddy, A. M. Smith, E. A. Lopez de Delgado, G. Angiolillo, N. Cuaical, J. Fernandez, C. Aguayo, M. Morales Aguilar, C. Valenzuela, A. J. Morales Medrano, A. Sirok, N. Weiler Gustafson, P. L. Diaz Guevara, L. A. Montano, E. Perez, N. R. Thomson
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2017)