How New SARS-CoV-2 Variants Interact with Human Cells and Vaccines

ByThe Short Paper

Neutralization, effector function and immune imprinting of Omicron variants

Recent variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, such as BQ.1.1 and XBB.1.5, have developed specific mutations in their spike proteins, which affect how the virus interacts with human cells and the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments. This study found that these variants bind more tightly to human ACE2 receptors and fuse with human cells more efficiently than earlier Omicron variants. However, a particular antibody called sotrovimab can still effectively neutralize these variants and protect against infection. Additionally, antibodies produced by vaccinated individuals can recognize and defend against these variants, even if their ability to neutralize the virus is somewhat reduced. This research highlights the importance of ongoing immunity from previous exposures.

Addetia, A., Piccoli, L., Case, J.B. et al. Neutralization, effector function and immune imprinting of Omicron variants. Nature 621, 592–601 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06487-6

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06487-6

Similar Posts

DNA-based programmable gate arrays for general-purpose DNA computing

ByThe Short Paper

In recent years, electronic and photonic circuits have become more versatile, going from specialized to programmable. Now, researchers have developed a system called DNA Integrated Circuits (DICs) using DNA molecules. These DICs can be programmed for various computing tasks and have the potential for massive parallel processing. The researchers used specific DNA strands as a…

Dietary fiber intake and risk of type 2 diabetes in a general Japanese population: the Hisayama Study

ByThe Short Paper

Article The study followed 1,892 Japanese people aged 40-79 over the course of 14 years. 280 people over that time period developed diabetes type II. They found that those that had the highest fiber intake had about half the likelihood of developing (0.53) diabetes compared to those who had the lowest fiber intake. They found…

Simple Summary – MicroRNAs signatures, bioinformatics analysis of miRNAs, miRNA mimics and antagonists, and miRNA therapeutics in osteosarcoma

ByThe Short Paper

Link to the article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7302353/ MicroRNA can have suppressive effects on certain biochemical pathways involved in cancer specifically osteosarcoma in regards to this paper. Using bioinformatics techniques, they were able to hone into specific miRNA that can suppress osteosarcoma. TL;DR Increases in certain molecular mechanisms can help suppress bone cancer (osteosarcoma)

Simple Summary – Association of Egg Intake With Blood Lipids, Cardiovascular Disease, and Mortality in 177,000 People in 50 Countries

ByThe Short Paper

Link to the article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31965140/ The study looked at 146,011 people from 21 countries. Egg consumption was recorded using food frequency questionaire. They looked a the hazard ratios of those people and found no association with egg consumption and blood lipids, mortality, or major cardiovascular events. TL;DR Eggs aren’t associated with increased health complications (CVD, blood…

Simple Summary – Intermittent Fasting, Paleolithic, or Mediterranean Diets in the Real World: Exploratory Secondary Analyses of a Weight-Loss Trial That Included Choice of Diet and Exercise

ByThe Short Paper

Link to the article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31879752/ Intermittent fasting (IF) and Paleolithic (Paleo) have been studied before and found to be effective in controlled studies. The study gave 250 overweight patients the option of Mediterranean, IF, or Paleo diets. Most chose IF. Many patients did not stick to their diet over the course of a year. On average…

Simple Summary – The Longitudinal Relationship Between Dietary Intake, Physical Activity and Muscle Strength Among Adolescents

ByThe Short Paper

Link to the article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32624008/ The study looked at 436 adolescents starting at age 13 and followed up at ages 15 and 17. They studied the relationship between dietary intake, physical activity, and muscle strength. They found an increase in strength for male adolescents correlating with protein and carbohydrate consumption over the course of five years….