Respiratory

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

SARS-CoV-2 and human cold coronavirus OC43 inhibit stress granule formation through Nsp15 protein

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In a recent study published in the journal PLOS pathogensresearchers investigated the mechanisms through which the human common cold Betacoronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) inhibit the formation of stress granules. Study: Nsp1 proteins of human coronaviruses HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV2 inhibit stress granule formation. Image Credit: MIA Studio/Shutterstock Background Stress … 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

What is the impact of cholesterol on SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein-mediated membrane fusion?

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In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers assessed the impact of ceramide (CER) and cholesterol (CHOL) on membrane fusion mediated by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein. Study: Cholesterol and ceramide facilitate SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein-mediated membrane fusion. Image Credit: CROCOTHERY/Shutterstock. Background SARS-CoV-2 entrance into host cells is … 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

Protein expression signature distinguishes early from late stage diffuse alveolar damage

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In a recent study posted to medRxiv* preprint server, researchers identified a protein expression signature that can distinguish early diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) from late DAD in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Study: Identification of a protein expression signature distinguishing early from organizing diffuse alveolar damage in COVID-19 patients. Image Credit: CROCOTHERY/Shutterstock Background To date, … Read more

Research reveals the assembly dynamics of nucleocapsid protein condensates can be regulated by small molecules with therapeutic potential

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In a recent study posted to bioRxiv*, researchers developed a screening platform and identified molecules with anti-coronavirus (anti-CoV) activity. Study: A screen for modulation of nucleocapsid protein condensation identifies small molecules with anti-coronavirus activity. Image Credit: jijomathaidesigners/Shutterstock Background Biomolecular condensates are membrane-less organelles formed by liquid-liquid phase separation of proteins or ribonucleic acids (RNAs). The … Read more

SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins utilize different mechanisms to bind to ACE2

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A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences applied computational approaches to study the binding mechanisms of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and SARS-CoV spike (S) proteins to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Study: Spike proteins of SARS-COV and SARS-COV-2 utilize different mechanisms to bind with human … 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