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).
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Ad26.COV2.S is safe and immunogenic
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.
SARS-CoV-2-specific Memory B cells persist up to 8 months post infection.
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.
Gene editing as a potential sickle cell disease immunotherapy.
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.
Not all SARS-CoV-2 mutations lead to reduced antibody neutralisation capacity
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.
Development of a serological diagnostic of Johne’s Disease
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.
Efficacy and Safety of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine
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...
Lack of interference by type I interferons leads to severe COVID-19
Recently, disturbance in type I interferons (IFN-I) has shed some light on why certain individuals may be at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease. IFN-I describes a family of interferon cytokines that are important in the interference of viral spread and replication.
BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 COVID-19 vaccine efficacy results
This article aims to provide a brief overview of the BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 COVID-19 vaccines efficacy results published in peer-reviewed journals. Both vaccines were tested in young and elderly, as well as individuals with comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Potential vitiligo immuno-therapeutic: antigen-specific CAR-Tregs
The hallmark of vitiligo immunopathology is the development of “white” patches of skin due to the destruction of melanocytes. Mukhataye et al., demonstrates that GD3-reactive CAR-Treg transfer to vitiligo-prone mice provided significant protection against depigmentation.