CoVaRR-Net Funded Research Results

Processing bodies (PBs) are membraneless granules built of RNA and protein that are found in all cells. PBs control cellular gene expression because they sequester or degrade cellular RNA transcripts.

mRNA-based vaccines are currently the most widely used vaccines for COVID-19. Challenges surrounding these novel vaccines such as mRNA-based vaccine hesitancy, production costs and demand, delivery, and unknown longevity of protection have highlighted the need for alternative vaccine strategies.

With this living evidence profile, we aim to evaluate accumulating evidence related to the animal and zoonotic characteristics of the mpox virus, understand their relevance to the Canadian context and identify important gaps in evidence.

A recent study addressing the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic has been published in the journal Science by a team of 18 scientists led by Michael Worobey and including CoVaRR-Net Pillar 2 lead Angela Rasmussen, virologist at the University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, and an adjunct professor of biochemistry, microbiology, and immunology at the University of Saskatchewan.

Immune mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID), such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases and severe inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa are often treated with systemic medication or biologics that can reduce inflammation.

With variants of concern (VOCs) continuing to emerge and pose health challenges in Canada, scientists, including Dr. Nazeem Muhajarine from the University of Saskatchewan and CoVaRR-Net Pillar 8 Public Health, Health Systems and Social Policy Impacts Co-Lead, are strategizing on how to control their effects on the Canadian population.

Nova Scotia’s strategy was to immunize 75% of its population by the end of September 2021. The province adopted a highly centralized vaccination campaign starting with its leadership structure.

British Columbia’s goal was to vaccinate all eligible residents by September 2021. Its vaccination campaign leadership was highly centralized, but also characterized by high levels of coordination between key stakeholders and health organizations.

Scientists, including some here in Canada, are contributing to the development of nasal-spray medications that would protect against numerous COVID-19 variants.