Phase 1 randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled study of a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine PTX-COVID19-B
This article describes the results of the first human clinical trial for a COVID19 mRNA-based vaccine, called PTX-COVID19-B, conducted in Canada in 2021.
Berbamine suppresses intestinal SARS-CoV-2 infection via a BNIP3-dependent autophagy blockade
This research project identifies berbamine dihydrochloride as a potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication in human intestinal epithelial cells.
Zooanthroponotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and host-specific viral mutations revealed by genome-wide phylogenetic analysis
Like other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 can infect a broad range of animals. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been several reports of humans infecting animals (including pets like dogs and cats, and wild animals like deer) and a smaller number of transmissions in the other direction, from animals back to humans.
SARS-CoV-2 Nsp2 contributes to inflammation by activating NF-kB
Symptoms from infection by SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, can range from mild to severe. As we know, severe COVID-19 results from an overreaction of the immune system, known as a cytokine storm.
Natural evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants in K18-ACE2 mice gives rise to more virulent virus and variant alleles associated with treatment resistance
Evolution is a complex process driven by many factors, including time. Given sufficient time, replicating viruses like SARS-CoV-2 can rapidly acquire genetic changes (mutations) that benefit their ability to infect its host.
Comparison of COVID-19 vaccination rollout approaches across Canada: case studies of four diverse provinces
Our team observed significant differences in provincial vaccination campaigns: for example, Nova Scotia was the only province to state explicit coverage goals and adhere to plans tying coverage to the relaxation of public health measures.
Nsp1 proteins of human coronaviruses HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV2 inhibit stress granule formation
Host cells can detect virus infections and respond by inducing defense programs to suppress viral replication and spread. One of such antiviral mechanisms is the formation of stress granules, which are the concentrated foci of RNA and proteins that can sequester viral and cellular factors needed for viral replication.
Third dose corrects waning immunity to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in immunocompromised patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases
We previously demonstrated in a JCI insight study that antibody levels and T cell responses in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) showed a more rapid decrease by 3 months after the 2nd dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine compared to healthy controls, emphasizing that a 3rd dose of vaccine is very important in IMID patients.
No time for complacency: The CoVaRR-Net Biobank is an essential element of laboratory preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks
In an article recently published in the Journal of the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (JAMMI), the authors describe the importance of the CoVaRR-Net Biobank, whose established infrastructure and governance facilitates rapid and open resource sharing for biomedical researchers in a pandemic.