GVN SARS-CoV-2 Perspectives
COVID-19 and the Gut Microbiome
February 11, 2022 Effects of Microbiomes The importance of the immunomodulatory effects of gut microbial populations has now been well recognized. In addition to their normal beneficial effects, alterations in the gut microbiota composition can lead to profound immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation. Because severe COVID-19 and long term COVID are driven by inappropriate immune…
Read MoreCell-Mediated and Innate Immunity Against SARS-CoV-2: What is Known
Cell-Mediated and Innate Immunity Against SARS-CoV-2: What is Known January 26, 2022 Titers of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 have proven a reasonable predictor of protection against infection and disease. However, T cell responses (CD8+ and CD4+), innate immune mechanisms, and Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity can also provide protective immunity against the virus. T cells The…
Read MoreOmicron: Transmissibility, Immune Evasion, and Pathogenicity
Omicron: Transmissibility, Immune Evasion, and Pathogenicity January 13, 2022 We are currently in a wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections dominated by the recently discovered omicron variant. What new threats does it pose? It is clearly able to overcome immune barriers to infection. Also, this variant is far more transmissible than others, making it an hyper transmissible…
Read MoreLong COVID: The Impact of Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC)
November 12, 2021 There is mounting evidence of the importance and seriousness of the long-term effects of COVID-19. Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC, or “long COVID”) is characterized by persistent symptoms and/or delayed or long-term complications beyond 4 weeks from the onset of symptoms (1). Approximately 80% of individuals with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis continue to…
Read MoreNew Antivirals: Could They Be Game Changers?
New Antivirals: Could They Be Game Changers? November 1, 2021 There have been recent reports of potentially effective oral antiviral drugs, including RNA replicase and viral protease inhibitors. If these prove safe and effective, this may overhaul the care of patients with COVID-19 by preventing severe COVID-19 in infected patients and, possibly in the future,…
Read MoreNew Antivirals: Could They Be Game Changers?
November 1, 2021 There have been recent reports of potentially effective oral antiviral drugs, including RNA replicase and viral protease inhibitors. If these prove safe and effective, this may overhaul the care of patients with COVID-19 by preventing severe COVID-19 in infected patients and, possibly in the future, prevent infection after contamination. It is likely…
Read MoreSARS-CoV-2, Children, and Multi-Inflammatory Syndrome
October 1, 2021 With the advent of the school year and children returning to in-person classes, there comes a concern over consequences with respect to the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. It has been accepted that children are not as susceptible to viral infection and severe illness as adults. However, the current prevalence…
Read MoreCovid-19 Vaccines or Natural Immunity – Do Both Protect?
Covid-19 Vaccines or Natural Immunity – Do Both Protect? September 10, 2021 In the current circumstances of disturbingly high rates of infection by the Delta variant and the concerns over obtaining effective vaccine coverage, the degree of protection provided to SARS-CoV-2 infected convalescent people is of clear relevance for natural immunity. Pei et al. estimate…
Read MoreVaccines and Variants
Vaccines and Variants August 16, 2021 Extensive vaccination had resulted in reduced COVID-19 cases and mortality in certain places, such as the United States and Israel, thus giving a cautious optimism that the worst of the pandemic was over. However, this turned out not to be the case, due to unpredicted factors. One was the…
Read MoreSARS-CoV-2 Lambda Variant: The New Kid on the Block
SARS-CoV-2 Lambda Variant: The New Kid on the Block July 19, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has been marked by the ongoing emergence of new genetic variants. Although SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus, its genome is relative stable, thanks to a proofreading polymerase. However, in a situation with extensive viral transmission globally, the evolution of SARS-CoV-2…
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