Article
Immunology
Chongkai Zhai, Mingda Wang, Hea-Jong Chung, Mehedi Hassan, Seungkoo Lee, Hyeon-Jin Kim, Seong-Tshool Hong
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 is causing a worldwide threat with high transmission rates and rapid evolution into diverse strains. However, an animal model representing the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 with systemic symptoms has not been developed yet.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Markus Hoffmann, Nadine Krueger, Sebastian Schulz, Anne Cossmann, Cheila Rocha, Amy Kempf, Inga Nehlmeier, Luise Graichen, Anna-Sophie Moldenhauer, Martin S. Winkler, Martin Lier, Alexandra Dopfer-Jablonka, Hans-Martin Jaeck, Georg M. N. Behrens, Stefan Poehlmann
Summary: The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is spreading rapidly and shows resistance to most therapeutic antibodies. It also evades neutralization by antibodies induced by infection or vaccination more efficiently than the Delta variant. This suggests that therapeutic antibodies may not be effective against the Omicron variant, and double vaccination with BNT162b2 may not provide adequate protection against severe disease caused by this variant.
Article
Immunology
C. J. Field, T. A. Heinly, D. R. Patel, D. G. Sim, E. Luley, S. L. Gupta, T. H. Vanderford, J. Wrammert, T. C. Sutton
Summary: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) can lead to repeat infections, potentially due to heterogeneity in initial infection or host immune response, or infection with a variant strain. Studies using the Syrian hamster model show that immunity to SARS-CoV-2 can last for 6 months, but protection may be incomplete and re-infection is still possible.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Julia R. Port, Myndi G. Holbrook, Kwe Claude Yinda, Martin Creusen, Jeroen ter Stege, Marc de Samber, Vincent J. Munster, Robert J. Fischer
Summary: Treating environmental air with UV-C light can effectively prevent airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a hamster model, providing hope for a return to normal indoor activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Igor M. L. Pataro, Juliane F. Oliveira, Marcelo M. Morato, Alan A. S. Amad, Pablo I. P. Ramos, Felipe A. C. Pereira, Mateus S. Silva, Daniel C. P. Jorge, Roberto F. S. Andrade, Mauricio L. Barreto, Marcus Americano da Costa
Summary: The study discusses the importance of coexisting with the virus and minimizing the risk of epidemic outbreaks in the absence of widespread vaccination. By utilizing a predictive control system and nonlinear model, policies can be optimized to prevent epidemic growth. Fine-tuning enforcement measures and periodic interventions are crucial for achieving SARS-CoV-2 containment in the long term.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Megan Wallace, Allison E. James, Rachel Silver, Mitsuki Koh, Farrell A. Tobolowsky, Sean Simonson, Jeremy A. W. Gold, Rena Fukunaga, Henry Njuguna, Keith Bordelon, Jonathan Wortham, Melissa Coughlin, Jennifer L. Harcourt, Azaibi Tamin, Brett Whitaker, Natalie J. Thornburg, Ying Tao, Krista Queen, Anna Uehara, Clinton R. Paden, Jing Zhang, Suxiang Tong, Danielle Haydel, Ha Tran, Kaylee Kim, Kiva A. Fisher, Mariel Marlow, Jacqueline E. Tate, Reena H. Doshi, Theresa Sokol, Kathryn G. Curran
Summary: Assessing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a detention facility with an outbreak, the study found that serial testing and early initiation of testing with infection prevention measures are key in interrupting transmission effectively.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Candie Joly, Delphine Desjardins, Raphael Porcher, Helene Pere, Thomas Bruneau, Qian Zhang, Paul Bastard, Aurelie Cobat, Lea Resmini, Olivia Lenoir, Laurent Savale, Camille Lecuroux, Celine Verstuyft, Anne-Marie Roque-Afonso, David Veyer, Gabriel Baron, Matthieu Resche-Rigon, Philippe Ravaud, Jean-Laurent Casanova, Roger Le Grand, Olivier Hermine, Pierre-Louis Tharaux, Xavier Mariette
Summary: This study examined the relationship between blood IFN-alpha 2 level, plasma SARS-CoV-2 viral load, and subsequent death in patients with severe and critical COVID-19. The findings suggest that patients with higher blood IFN-alpha 2 levels have higher viral loads, while the presence of neutralizing anti-IFN-alpha 2 auto-antibodies is associated with lower IFN-alpha 2 levels. Patients with a rapid decline in blood IFN-alpha 2 are at higher risk of death, and a high level of plasma SARS-CoV-2 RNA is associated with death risk in patients with severe COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Hongbing Jiang, Astha Joshi, Tianyu Gan, Andrew B. Janowski, Chika Fujii, Traci L. Bricker, Tamarand L. Darling, Houda H. Harastani, Kuljeet Seehra, Hongwei Chen, Stephen Tahan, Ana Jung, Binita Febles, Joshua A. Blatter, Scott A. Handley, Bijal A. Parikh, David Wang, Adrianus C. M. Boon
Summary: A study shows that the s2m element in the RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 virus does not affect its growth and spread.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Chen Huang, Yu Jiang, Jie Yan
Summary: This study identified that some animals lack key receptors for binding to SARS-CoV-2, potentially reducing their susceptibility to the virus. Additionally, it was found that Ace2 in animals may have lower affinity for SARS-CoV-2 binding compared to human ACE2. The research sheds light on the human-to-animal transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nadine Krueger, Cheila Rocha, Sandra Runft, Johannes Krueger, Iris Faerber, Federico Armando, Eva Leitzen, Graham Brogden, Gisa Gerold, Stefan Poehlmann, Markus Hoffmann, Wolfgang Baumgaertner
Summary: Domestic and predatory cats are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with strong viral replication observed in nasal mucosa and trachea, primarily in epithelial cells. Lower efficiency of replication was found in lung tissue. High ACE2 levels in the nose and trachea suggest a correlation with susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 in felines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mingrui Chen, Dingzhou Cui, Zhiyuan Zhao, Di Kang, Zhen Li, Shahad Albawardi, Shahla Alsageer, Faisal Alamri, Abrar Alhazmi, Moh R. Amer, Chongwu Zhou
Summary: Developing convenient and accurate SARS-CoV-2 antigen and antibody tests is crucial in curbing the global COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, an improved indium oxide (In2O3) nanoribbon field-effect transistor (FET) biosensor platform was developed for detecting both SARS-CoV-2 antigen and antibody.
Article
Pathology
Klaus Hirschbuehl, Tina Schaller, Bruno Maerkl, Rainer Claus, Eva Sipos, Lukas Rentschler, Andrea Maccagno, Bianca Grosser, Elisabeth Kling, Michael Neidig, Thomas Kroncke, Oliver Spring, Georg Braun, Hans Boesmueller, Maximilian Seidl, Irene Esposito, Jessica Pablik, Julia Hilsenbeck, Peter Boor, Martin Beer, Sebastian Dintner, Claudia Wylezich
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the causes of death, histological organ alteration, and viral spread in individuals who died after vaccination and had proven SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found that the rate of viral dissemination was significantly higher in vaccinated cases, and vaccinated individuals also had high viral loads and immunosuppressive factors. Partially vaccinated patients were more affected than fully vaccinated individuals. Future studies should further investigate the potential role of antibody-dependent enhancement.
Article
Immunology
Genay Pilarowski, Carina Marquez, Luis Rubio, James Peng, Jackie Martinez, Douglas Black, Gabriel Chamie, Diane Jones, Jon Jacobo, Valerie Tulier-Laiwa, Susana Rojas, Susy Rojas, Chesa Cox, Robert Nakamura, Maya Petersen, Joseph DeRisi, Diane Havlir
Summary: The study conducted testing for SARS-CoV-2 among 3302 individuals in a community setting using BinaxNOW(TM) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The rapid assay showed high sensitivity and specificity, with consistent performance across different age groups and symptomatic status, allowing for immediate public health action.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Mohammed O. Abdelaziz, Martin J. Raftery, Julian Weihs, Olivia Bielawski, Richard Edel, Julia Koeppke, Daria Vladimirova, Julia M. Adler, Theresa Firsching, Anne Voss, Achim D. Gruber, Luca V. Hummel, Ivan Fernandez Munoz, Francesca Mueller-Marquardt, Gerald Willimsky, Nooran S. Elleboudy, Jakob Trimpert, Guenther Schoenrich
Summary: This study developed a multi-epitope vaccine (PanCoVac) that contains conserved T cell epitopes from all structural proteins of coronaviruses. It was confirmed that PanCoVac is processed and presented by HLA-A*0201. In an animal model, intranasal administration of a low dose of NILV-PanCoVac provided protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and reduced viral loads in the lung tissue.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Shuo Zhang, Zhen Yang, Zhuo-Ning Li, Zhen-Lin Chen, Shi-Jun Yue, Rui-Jia Fu, Ding-Qiao Xu, Sai Zhang, Yu-Ping Tang
Summary: Older people are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe illness due to weakened immune mechanisms and the influence of comorbidities.
Article
Virology
Marika Brunialti, Thomas Hoefler, Mariana Nascimento, Jakob Trimpert
Summary: Lack of exonuclease activity in HSV-1 DNA polymerase leads to the rapid accumulation of detrimental mutations and the extinction of the virus. Although certain mutations can abolish exonuclease activity without affecting polymerase activity, the presence of exonuclease activity is crucial for maintaining genome integrity in HSV-1.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Xiaoyuan Lin, Beibei Fu, Yan Xiong, Na Xing, Weiwei Xue, Dong Guo, Mohamed Zaky, Krishna Pavani, Dusan Kunec, Jakob Trimpert, Haibo Wu
Summary: This study reveals that the accessory protein ORF8 acts as a messenger for inter-cellular communication between alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages during SARS-CoV-2 infection. ORF8 protein plays a role in the development of cytokine storms, and its deletion attenuates inflammation and reduces lung lesions in hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2. These findings contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and provide insights for potential therapeutic strategies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Raju Bej, Chuanxiong Nie, Kai Ludwig, Vahid Ahmadi, Jakob Trimpert, Julia M. Adler, Tatyana L. Povolotsky, Katharina Achazi, Marten Kagelmacher, Ricardo Martin Vidal, Jens Dernedde, Benedikt B. Kaufer, Rainer Haag
Summary: Researchers have developed a synthetic nanostructure that mimics the properties of mucins, the key component of protective mucus barrier. This mucin-inspired fiber showed strong activity against SARS-CoV-2 and its mutant strain, with a low inhibitory concentration. The study also investigated the impact of fiber length on the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Julia M. Adler, Ricardo Martin Vidal, Anne Voss, Sandra Kunder, Mariana Nascimento, Azza Abdelgawad, Christine Langner, Daria Vladimirova, Nikolaus Osterrieder, Achim D. Gruber, Dusan Kunec, Jakob Trimpert
Summary: Live attenuated vaccines administered via the mucosal route may offer better control of the COVID-19 pandemic by presenting the entire antigenic repertoire of the virus and inducing strong mucosal immunity. Removal of the furin cleavage site from the spike protein of a SARS-CoV-2 LAV candidate can prevent vaccine transmission without compromising vaccine efficacy, as shown by the abolished horizontal transmission between cohoused hamsters and the safety of the vaccine in immunosuppressed animals.
Article
Virology
Elisa Heuser, Stephan Drewes, Jakob Trimpert, Dusan Kunec, Calvin Mehl, Marieke P. de Cock, Ankje de Vries, Christiane Klier, Martin Oskamp, Peter Tenhaken, Fatima Hashemi, Daniela Heinz, Mariana Nascimento, Marc Boelhauve, Rasa Petraityte-Burneikiene, Dina Raafat, Miriam Maas, Detlev H. Krueger, Andreas Latz, Joerg Hofmann, Gerald Heckel, Johannes Dreesman, Rainer G. Ulrich
Summary: In 2019, the first autochthonous human case of Seoul orthohantavirus (SEOV)-induced hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome was reported in Germany, with a pet rat identified as the source. Further investigation found SEOV RNA and antibodies in the patient's rats and some rats belonging to another owner. Surveillance of pet, breeder, and wild rats is needed to identify the origin and prevent transmission of SEOV in Europe.
Editorial Material
Virology
Thomas Dobner, Luca D. Bertzbach
Article
Microbiology
Geraldine Nouailles, Julia M. Adler, Peter Pennitz, Stefan Peidli, Luiz Gustavo Teixeira Alves, Morris Baumgardt, Judith Bushe, Anne Voss, Alina Langenhagen, Christine Langner, Ricardo Martin Vidal, Fabian Pott, Julia Kazmierski, Aileen Ebenig, Mona V. Lange, Michael D. Muehlebach, Cengiz Goekeri, Szandor Simmons, Na Xing, Azza Abdelgawad, Susanne Herwig, Guenter Cichon, Daniela Niemeyer, Christian Drosten, Christine Goffinet, Markus Landthaler, Nils Bluethgen, Haibo Wu, Martin Witzenrath, Achim D. Gruber, Samantha D. Praktiknjo, Nikolaus Osterrieder, Emanuel Wyler, Dusan Kunec, Jakob Trimpert
Summary: In hamsters, compared the live-attenuated vaccine sCPD9, mRNA vaccine BNT162b2, and adenovirus-vectored vaccine with SARS-CoV-2 challenge, sCPD9 vaccine elicited the strongest immune response, including rapid viral clearance, reduced tissue damage, fast differentiation of pre-plasmablasts, strong systemic and mucosal humoral responses, and rapid recall of memory T cells from lung tissue after heterologous SARS-CoV-2 challenge.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Benedikt B. Kaufer, Mark S. Parcells, Luca D. Bertzbach
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Luca D. Bertzbach, Marina Kohn, Yu You, Lisa Kossak, Mohammad A. Sabsabi, Ahmed Kheimar, Sonja Haertle, Benedikt B. Kaufer
Summary: Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a highly oncogenic alphaherpesvirus that causes fatal lymphoproliferative disease in chickens by infecting immune cells. This study presents protocols for the isolation, maintenance, and efficient MDV infection of primary chicken lymphocytes and lymphocyte cell lines, facilitating the investigation of key aspects of the MDV life cycle in target cells.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Peter Pennitz, Cengiz Goekeri, Jakob Trimpert, Emanuel Wyler, Aileen Ebenig, Chantal Weissfuss, Michael D. Muhlebach, Martin Witzenrath, Geraldine Nouailles
Summary: This article introduces a protocol for transforming solid and complex organs like the lungs into diverse, viable single-cell suspensions, and discusses the challenge of increasing the proportion of pulmonary endothelial cells without compromising viability.
Article
Fisheries
Xingxing Wang, Weiwei Zeng, Nikolaus Osterrieder
Summary: Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) is an emerging orthomyxovirus-like pathogen that causes high mortality rates in tilapia and poses a serious threat to the global tilapia industry. While TiLV can infect and replicate in various fish cell lines, its infection and replication in mammalian cells have not been documented until now. This study demonstrates the antiviral activity of mammalian type I interferon against TiLV, suggesting a potential mechanism of TiLV pathogenesis and providing insights for the development of vaccines and antiviral therapies against this important fish pathogen.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Klaus Osterrieder, David C. Dorman, Brandy A. Burgess, Lutz S. Goehring, Peggy Gross, Claire Neinast, Nicola Pusterla, Gisela Soboll Hussey, David P. Lunn
Summary: This study found that commercial and experimental vaccines minimally reduce the incidence of clinical disease associated with EHV-1 infection.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Wing-Hang Ip, Michael H. Tatham, Steewen Krohne, Julia Gruhne, Michael Melling, Tina Meyer, Britta Gornott, Luca D. Bertzbach, Ronald T. Hay, Estefania Rodriguez, Thomas Dobner
Summary: This study used quantitative SUMO proteomics to analyze the cellular consequences of E1B-55K-mediated host cell modulation and adenovirus infection. The results showed that changes in the SUMOylated proteome could regulate DNA damage response, cell cycle control, chromatin assembly, and gene transcription. Additionally, a SUMO-dependent, ubiquitin-mediated degradation mechanism for some SUMO substrates was identified, suggesting that E1B-55K might use multiple mechanisms to alter restrictive cellular pathways.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
