J. Vergara-Alert

Novel Spike-stabilized trimers with improved production protect K18-hACE2 mice and golden Syrian hamsters from the highly pathogenic SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant.

This paper identifies mutations that improve the production and efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 Spike proteins, protecting animal models from the Beta variant.

A Novel Monoclonal Antibody Targeting a Large Surface of the Receptor Binding Motif Shows Pan-neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 Activity Including BQ.1.1 Variant

This study characterizes a new monoclonal antibody, 17T2, that broadly neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 variants, including BQ.1.1, and shows in vivo prophylactic activity against Omicron BA.1.1.

High-throughput quantification of camelid cytokine mRNA expression in PBMCs by microfluidic qPCR technology

The paper develops RT-qPCR assays to quantify immune response genes in camelid PBMCs and identifies species-specific cytokine responses to stimulations.

Beta-Cyclodextrins as affordable antivirals to treat coronavirus infection

The paper identifies beta-cyclodextrins as effective and affordable antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses through molecular modeling and in vitro testing.

Unraveling the antiviral activity of plitidepsin by subcellular and morphological analysis

This study uses electron microscopy to show plitidepsin blocks SARS-CoV-2 replication organelles and virus morphogenesis.

Preclinical evaluation of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate based on a recombinant RBD fusion heterodimer of SARS-CoV-2

This paper evaluates a recombinant RBD fusion heterodimer vaccine in mice, showing 100% efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants and neutralizing antibodies.

SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 (beta) variant shows enhanced infectivity in K18-hACE2 transgenic mice and expanded tropism to wildtype mice compared to B.1 variant

This study shows that the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 variant infects K18-hACE2 mice faster and wildtype mice, with milder symptoms than the B.1 variant.

Siglec-1 on dendritic cells mediates SARS-CoV-2 trans-infection of target cells while on macrophages triggers proinflammatory responses

This study shows Siglec-1 on APCs mediates SARS-CoV-2 trans-infection and triggers proinflammatory responses, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target.

Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection increases B.1.1.7 cross-neutralization by vaccinated individuals.

The paper assesses how prior SARS-CoV-2 infection affects B.1.1.7 cross-neutralization in vaccinated individuals, finding that previously infected individuals show equivalent neutralization against B.1.1.7 compared to the Wuhan strain.

Protection against reinfection with D614- or G614-SARS-CoV-2 isolates in hamsters

This study shows that hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2 are not fully protected against reinfection with both original and variant isolates, but experience reduced lung disease severity upon re-exposure.

Type I and III IFNs produced by the nasal epithelia and dimmed inflammation are key features of alpacas resolving MERS-CoV infection

This study identifies type I and III IFNs in nasal mucosa and anti-inflammatory responses as key to alpacas resolving MERS-CoV infection without severe symptoms.

Stable neutralizing antibody levels six months after mild and severe COVID-19 episode

This study tracks neutralizing antibody levels in COVID-19 patients up to six months post-infection, finding persistent activity in mild cases and a slower decline in hospitalized individuals.

Identification of Plitidepsin as Potent Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2-Induced Cytopathic Effect after a Drug Repurposing Screen

This study screens existing drugs to identify potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2-induced cytopathic effect and viral replication, finding plitidepsin as the most effective clinically approved drug.