Immunology
Hope for next-gen COVID-19 vaccines may rest in an unexpected region of the virus
Researchers further elucidated how antibodies produced in people who effectively fight off SARS-CoV-2 work to neutralize the part of the virus responsible for causing infection. The study, published in Science on May 4, describes how antibodies targeting sections of the virus outside of the receptor-binding domain may be useful in the development of vaccines and therapies. Read More
How the South African SARS-CoV-2 variant evades antibodies
Computer modeling has demonstrated that one of the three mutations of the South African SARS-CoV-2 variant reduces its ability to bind to human cells. The results, published recently in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, also suggest that the mutation may help it escape some therapeutic antibodies. Read More
Cell-free technique could enable on-demand vaccine production
A new cell-free synthetic biology technique that increases the volume of membrane components in the manufacture of conjugate vaccines can significantly improve the efficiency of vaccine production, according to a new method published in Nature Communications on April 22. The technology could enable on-site production of vaccines and therapies, enabling them to be more efficiently distributed in areas where they are most needed. Read More
Variant-resistant COVID-19 vaccines could be effective, cheap to make
Researchers have collaborated to create a new COVID-19 vaccine platform containing antigens against the fusion protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that could be effective against variants of the virus. The research was published online on April 15 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Read More
Will preprints have a lasting effect on publishing beyond COVID-19?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 25% of all COVID-19-related scientific manuscripts were shared on preprint servers, a steep increase from previous usage and relative to traditional peer-review journals. An international team of researchers explored the critical role of preprint servers in disseminating epidemic-related information in an article published in PLOS Biology on April 2. Read More
What pregnant women need to know about COVID vaccines
Addressing questions about COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant and postpartum women, a leading maternal-fetal medicine specialist explained that it's likely best to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible. Read More
Can a single dose of a vaccine designed as 2 doses be effective?
Researchers suggested that two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are more protective than a single dose, even if the interdose period is longer than recommended. The study's results, published in Science on March 9, indicate that the effect of vaccines on the spread and mutation of SARS-CoV-2 is reliant on relative robustness of immunity conferred by a single dose. Read More
Chromatography drives research fight against SARS-CoV-2 virus
As the battle against the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus continues, researchers are relying on analytical laboratory techniques like chromatography to provide effective and efficient methods for characterizing the virus, as well as to analyze potential vaccines and anti-COVID-19 compounds. Read More
Janssen COVID-19 vaccine becomes 3rd authorized in U.S.
Janssen Biotech's COVID-19 vaccine has received an emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The move allows the vaccine to be distributed in the U.S. for the prevention of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in individuals 18 years of age or older. Read More
FDA committee gives nod to Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
A single-shot COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Biotech subsidiary has received a positive recommendation from a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee. Should the FDA grant the product emergency use authorization, the vaccine candidate will become the third to be made available in the U.S. Read More
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