Antibodies

Scientists explore synthesis of griffithsin in cell-free systems

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A recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server described the cell-free manufacturing of griffithsin (GRFT), a broad-spectrum antiviral protein. Study: An approach to rapid distributed manufacturing of broad spectrum anti-viral griffithsin using cell-free systems to mitigate pandemics. Image Credit: Juan Gaertner/Shutterstock Drugs and vaccines are currently manufactured in large and expensive facilities. The drug … Read more

Novel mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine encoding four mpox virus surface proteins generates robust immune responses against orthopoxviruses

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In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers described a messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-lipid nanoparticle mpox vaccine encoding four conserved mpox virus surface proteins which induced mpox virus-specific immunity and elicited heterologous protection when challenged with lethal vaccinia virus. Study: A monkeypox mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine targeting virus binding, entry, and transmission drives … Read more

SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins trigger periodontal fibrosis

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In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers examined the pathological impacts of the structural components of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on human periodontal cells and tissue to understand the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and deteriorating oral health. Study: SARS-CoV-2 causes periodontal fibrosis by deregulating mitochondrial β-oxidation. … Read more

Researchers generate a remodeled live-attenuated measles vaccine capable of driving nAb responses against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

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In a recent study posted to bioRxiv*, researchers developed a measles virus (MeV)-vectored vaccine capable of inducing high neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Study: Surface-modified measles vaccines encoding oligomeric, fusion-stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoproteins bypass measles seropositivity, boosting neutralizing antibody responses to omicron and historical variants. Image Credit: Kateryna … Read more

Study demonstrates robust antibody response elicited by trivalent protein subunit vaccine against SARS-CoV-2

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In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers demonstrated that a trivalent vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) improved the breadth of humoral immune responses in mice. Study: Trivalent SARS-CoV-2 S1 Subunit Protein Vaccination Induces Broad Humoral Responses in BALB/c Mice. Image Credit: Corona Borealis Studio/Shutterstock Background SARS-CoV-2 vaccines … Read more

Exploring a variant-adapted SARS-CoV-2 recombinant protein vaccine

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In a recent study posted to the medRxiv* preprint server, researchers assessed the immunogenicity of a variant-adapted severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) recombinant protein vaccine boosted with an AS03 adjuvant. Study: Safety and immunogenicity of a variant-adapted SARS-CoV-2 recombinant protein vaccine with AS03 adjuvant as a booster in adults primed with authorized vaccines. … Read more

Novel prefusion S antigen designed by the mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein’s trimeric structure

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In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* server, researchers mutated the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein’s trimeric structure to design a novel prefusion S antigen, S2D14. Study: Structural and Computational Design of a SARS-2 Spike Antigen with Increased Receptor Binding Domain Exposure and Improved Immunogenicity. Image Credit: creativeneko/Shutterstock Background … Read more

The frequency, magnitude, and longevity of natural antibody responses against nine P. vivax vaccine candidate proteins

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Malaria is a significant public health threat, causing about 241 million cases worldwide in 2020. Although Plasmodium falciparum is reported to be the most common malaria parasite in Africa, P. vivax is the predominant parasite in most countries in America and Asia Pacific. Critical illnessescaused by P. vivax are no more considered rare events. Study: … Read more

Novel mRNA vaccines encoding monkeypox virus proteins show promise in preclinical studies

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In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers in China demonstrated the efficacy of three messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) technology-based Monkeypox virus (MPXV) vaccines in combating a lethal Vaccinia virus (VACV) challenge in mice models. Study: Novel mRNA vaccines encoding monkeypox virus M1R and A35R protect mice from a lethal virus challenge. … Read more

Chitin-immobilized nanobodies for SARS-CoV-2 detection

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In a recent study posted to bioRxiv*, researchers demonstrated a novel strategy to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using chitin-immobilized nanobodies. Study: Efficient SARS-CoV-2 detection utilizing chitin-immobilized nanobodies synthesized in Ustilago maydis. Image Credit: CROCOTHERY/Shutterstock Background Shark and Camelidae-derived nanobodies are emerging alternatives to traditional antibodies. Nanobodies bind to ligands at the … Read more