January 2021

Wu et al. demonstrate that mutations in the B1.1.7 did not affect the neutralisation capacity of mRNA-1273-vaccine induced antibodies, however mutations in the B.1.351 variant drastically reduced the neutralisation capacity of vaccine-induced antibodies.

Minhas et al. investigated whether an increase in PGE2 is associated with the development of age-associated maladaptive inflammation and cognitive decline. They focused their research on PGE2 because levels of PGE 2 are increased during neurodegenerative diseases and in monocytes from older (<65 yrs) compared to younger individuals (< 35 yrs).

Interim analysis indicates that vaccine candidate Ad26.COV2.S is safe and immunogenic in both younger and older adults. This finding, in combination with the results in preclinical challenge studies, has supported our decision to proceed with phase 3 trials to evaluate the efficacy of a single or two-dose regimen of 5×10^10 viral particles of Ad26.COV2.S.

Studies by Hartley et al., & Dan et al., provide hope for long-lasting memory B cell immunity which persists despite a decline in circulating SARS-CoV-2-antibodies. Further, they highlight specific immune compartment that could be used as better markers of persisting immunity.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disease characterised by severe anaemia. The only functional cure for SCD is a bone marrow transplant which is very challenging to conduct. We summarise two studies that used gene editing approaches to treat SCD.

Greaney et al., demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 E484 mutation (present in 501.V2 variant), results in a 10-fold reduction in neutralisation capacity of convalescent sera from some patients but not others, while no negative antibody binding effect of the N501Y mutation (present in 501.V2 andB1.1.7 variants) was observed.

In a recent study Hermida et al. developed an in-house ELISA for detection of Johne’s disease, caused by infection with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) which affects domestic and wild ruminants and is responsible for major economic losses in the agricultural sector.

The two doses of mRNA-1273 vaccine showed 94.1% efficacy at preventing COVID-19 illness including severe disease in persons 18 or older. Aside from transient local and systemic reactions, no safety concerns were identified. The authors stated that there are still questions...