Complement-mediated enhancement of SARS-CoV-2 antibody neutralisation potency in vaccinated individuals

Abstract With the continued emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and concerns of waning immunity, there is a need for better defined correlates of protection to aid future vaccine and therapeutic developments. Whilst neutralising antibody titres are associated with protection, these are typically determined in the absence of the complement system, which has the potential to enhance… Continue reading Complement-mediated enhancement of SARS-CoV-2 antibody neutralisation potency in vaccinated individuals

Burden and characteristics of Respiratory Syncytial Virus-associated respiratory tract infections in adult patients in the winter season 2023/2024 at the conservative emergency department of the university hospital in Dresden

The burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) associated adult emergency department visits in comparison to other respiratory viruses like Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 remains less studied. Continue reading on BioMed Central

TWiV 1200: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello bemoan the continued outbreak of Sudan virus and growing number of paralytic polio cases before discussing growing measles outbreak in the US and Europe, the vaccine, an interview with a parent whose child died of measles infection, adverse effects of vaccination and how parents do… Continue reading TWiV 1200: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

COVID-19 discovery could open the door to new treatments for chronic lung diseases

University of Virginia School of Medicine scientists have discovered how severe COVID-19 can destroy immune cells’ ability to repair the lungs, helping explain the lingering effects of long COVID. The findings suggest a new treatment approach for long COVID as well as other conditions, both short-term and chronic, caused by respiratory infections such as the… Continue reading COVID-19 discovery could open the door to new treatments for chronic lung diseases

Potent bivalent nanobody constructs that protect against the SARS-CoV-2 XBB variant

Abstract Most antibody-based therapeutics approved for SARS-CoV-2 treatment have shown greatly reduced neutralization activity against emerging Omicron variants. To target recent Omicron variants, we developed XBB-specific antibody-like therapeutics by screening a yeast surface-displayed single-domain antibody library against the receptor binding domain of the XBB spike protein. Three lead nanobodies, XNb 4.13, XNb 4.14, and XNb… Continue reading Potent bivalent nanobody constructs that protect against the SARS-CoV-2 XBB variant

Integrated histopathology, spatial and single cell transcriptomics resolve cellular drivers of early and late alveolar damage in COVID-19

Abstract The most common cause of death due to COVID-19 remains respiratory failure. Yet, our understanding of the precise cellular and molecular changes underlying lung alveolar damage is limited. Here, we integrate single cell transcriptomic data of COVID-19 and donor lung tissue with spatial transcriptomic data stratifying histopathological stages of diffuse alveolar damage. We identify changes in… Continue reading Integrated histopathology, spatial and single cell transcriptomics resolve cellular drivers of early and late alveolar damage in COVID-19

Age-associated differences in mucosal and systemic host responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract Age is among the strongest risk factors for severe outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here we describe upper respiratory tract (URT) and peripheral blood transcriptomes of 202 participants (age range of 1 week to 83 years), including 137 non-hospitalized individuals with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection and 65 healthy individuals. Among healthy children and adolescents, younger age… Continue reading Age-associated differences in mucosal and systemic host responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection

TWiV 1198: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin with Vincent Racaniello deliberate the effect of the absence of US foreign aid on the Ebola outbreak in Uganda and death of two children, continued use of nOPV2 in Gaza and the utter failure of type 2 poliovirus removal from the oral poliovirus vaccine, growing measles outbreak in… Continue reading TWiV 1198: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin