SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 subunit induces hypercoagulability
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2), is characterized by a range of clinical presentations. The vascular complications of the condition include a range of various coagulopathies that cause bleeding and thrombocytopenia or a hypercoagulable state. A new preprint research paper posted to the
medRxiv server describes the role of a fibrinogen-related protein in inducing these clinical features of COVID-19.
Cytokine dysregulation
Earlier research has shown a change in circulating cytokines involved in the inflammatory and coagulation pathways, indicating dysregulation of these biomarkers and the endothelium. These include fibrin(ogen), D-dimer, P-selectin and von Willebrand Factor (VWF), C-reactive protein (CRP), and other cytokines that bind to endothelial receptors.
Nanobody works against all SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in animal model
Researchers based in Belgium have developed a new antibody drug that is highly successful at neutralizing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Syrian hamsters. The new biologic was administered to the rodents and was found to be equally successful at neutralizing the original severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strain, and also the new mutant variants, such as the South African and UK strains.
A pre-print version of the research paper is available to read in full on the
Antibody immunity
Vaccines represent potent tools for combatting diseases, however, they are limited in some regards. Immunity may be short-lived or less effective in old age groups. Limited vaccine availability in many countries, vaccine hesitancy, are other factors of which the impact is currently uncertain.
An interesting new preprint research paper posted to the medRxiv server reports there is little evidence to suggest the rapid transmission of the virus among school children while attending school.
Researchers in China and Australia have reported the discovery of novel bat coronaviruses that further reveal the diversity and complex evolutionary history of these viruses.