Color-Coding of Microchip RT-PCR Test System for SARS-CoV-2 Detection

An RT-PCR based microchip test system for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 offers pre-loaded and lyophilized reagents in the microchip. However, the 30- and 48-microwell formats of the microchip being miniaturized and performing 1.2 μl reaction, seek visual attention during sample addition. Therefore, adding colorants as color indicator in the lyophilized matrix in the microchips or adding to sample or master mix can impart not only user-friendliness to the task of liquid handling but also precision, and color-codes for easy identification of multiple kits in the layout of the microchip without compromising PCR data quality. A panel of colorants was screened for their background intensity, spectral inertness towards detection channels of AriaDNATM analyzer, interference with the reporter dyes (FAM, Cy5 and ROX), and visibility of optimal concentration in the microwell. The concentration of the colorant displaying insignificant impact on the quality of the amplification (Ct, fluorescence, and sensitivity) in comparison to no-colorant control was chosen for inclusion in the test kit. Tartrazine, Acid Red, Brilliant Blue and FAST Green colorants lyophilized with the reagents in the SARS-CoV-2 microchips were found to be stable and suitable. Storage of microchips with Fast Green colorant was tested at 40°C, 22°C, 4°C, and -20°C for 70 days and was found to be suitable and compatible with different master mixes available as liquid or lyophilized. Additionally, the microchips pre-loaded with lyophilized reagents in the presence and absence of two colorants Tartrazine and Fast Green were validated with clinical samples of SARS-COV-2. No significant impact of these colorants both intra- and inter-microchips was observed on the Ct and intensity of amplification for the tested samples in comparison to no-colorant control. The data suggested that the tested colorants can be used to color the sample, or the master mix or PCR mix for user-friendly liquid handling in empty microchips. For the microchip with pre-loaded and lyophilized reagents, the colorant can be added to lyophilized mixture for precision liquid handling and color-coding of lyophilized kits in the microchips. The manufacturing quality of the lyophilized microchips can also improve with colorant loaded reagent mix.

Ocular manifestations and SARS-CoV-2 detection in tears and conjunctival scrape from non-severe COVID-19 patients

AIM:To explore the ocular features of corona virus disease(COVID)-19 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus(SARS-CoV)-2 detection in tears and conjunctival scrapes in non-severe COVID-19 patients.METHODS:This is a multicenter observational clinical study with no intervention conducted from Jan 25th to March 1st,2020.Clinical data and samples of tears and conjunctival scraping were collected in consecutive laboratory-confirmed,non-severe COVID-19 patients from three hospitals.COVID-19 virus was analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)kits.RESULTS:Totally 255 laboratory-confirmed,non-severe COVID-19 patients were recruited for ocular manifestation investigation.Of them,54.9%were females,with a mean age of 49.4 y.None of the patients has evidence of uveitis;11 patients(4.3%)complained of mild asthenopia;2(0.8%)had mild conjunctival congestion and serous secretion.Twenty-five of them had performed tears and conjunctival scrape for COVID-19 virus detection,with 4 yield possible positive results in the nucleoprotein gene.One of them were asymptomatic with normal chest CT and positive pharyngeal swab result.CONCLUSION:Ocular manifestations are neither common nor specific in non-severe COVID-19 patients.Meanwhile,COVID-19 virus nucleotides can be detected in the tears and conjunctival scrape samples,warranting further research on the transmissibility by the ocular route.

Evaluation of a Rapid Diagnostic Test, Boson Biotech SARS CoV-2 Ag, for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Gabon

1) Background: Rapid and acurate diagnostic testing for case identification, quarantine, and contact tracing is essential for managing the COVID 19 pandemic. Rapid antigen detection tests are available, however, it is important to evaluate their performances before use. We tested a rapid antigen detection of SARS-CoV-2, based on the immunochromatography (Boson Biotech SARS-CoV-2 Ag Test (Xiamen Boson Biotech Co., Ltd., China)) and the results were compared with the real time reverse transcriptase-Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (Gold standard) results;2) Methods: From November 2021 to December 2021, samples were collected from symptomatic patients and asymptomatic individuals referred for testing in a hospital during the second pandemic wave in Gabon. All these participants attending “CTA Angondjé”, a field hospital set up as part of the management of COVID-19 in Gabon. Two nasopharyngeal swabs were collected in all the patients, one for Ag test and the other for RT-PCR;3) Results: A total of 300 samples were collected from 189 symptomatic and 111 asymptomatic individuals. The sensitivity and specificity of the antigen test were 82.5% [95%CI 73.8 - 89.3] and 97.9 % [95%CI 92.2 - 98.2] respectively, and the diagnostic accuracy was 84.4% (95% CI: 79.8 - 88.3%). The antigen test was more likely to be positive for samples with RT-PCR Ct values ≤ 32, with a sensitivity of 89.8%;4) Conclusions: The Boson Biotech SARS-CoV-2 Ag Test has good sensitivity and can detect SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially among symptomatic individuals with low viral load. This test could be incorporated into efficient testing algorithms as an alternative to PCR to decrease diagnostic delays and curb viral transmission.

PCR-HRM for Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2: A Variant Detection Tool in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa

The rise of new viruses, like SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 outbreak, along with the return of antibiotic resistance in harmful bacteria, demands a swift and efficient reaction to safeguard the health and welfare of the global population. It is crucial to have effective measures for prevention, intervention, and monitoring in place to address these evolving and recurring risks, ensuring public health and international security. In countries with limited resources, utilizing recombinant mutation plasmid technology in conjunction with PCR-HRM could help differentiate the existence of novel variants. cDNA synthesis was carried out on 8 nasopharyngeal samples following viral RNA extraction. The P1 segment of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike S protein was amplified via conventional PCR. Subsequently, PCR products were ligated with the pGEM-T Easy vector to generate eight recombinant SARS-CoV-2 plasmids. Clones containing mutations were sequenced using Sanger sequencing and analyzed through PCR-HRM. The P1 segment of the S gene from SARS-CoV-2 was successfully amplified, resulting in 8 recombinant plasmids generated from the 231 bp fragment. PCR-HRM analysis of these recombinant plasmids differentiated three variations within the SARS-CoV-2 plasmid population, each displaying distinct melting temperatures. Sanger sequencing identified mutations A112C, G113T, A114G, G214T, and G216C on the P1 segment, validating the PCR-HRM findings of the variations. These mutations led to the detection of L452R or L452M and F486V protein mutations within the protein sequence of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. In summary, PCR-HRM is a vital and affordable tool for distinguishing SARS-CoV-2 variants utilizing recombinant plasmids as controls.

Contribution of Genomic Surveillance in the Detection and Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 Variants during the 6 Pandemic Waves in the Central African Republic from 2020 to 2023

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to strengthen diagnosis and genomic surveillance capacities. In 2021, Central African managed five waves of COVID-19 by integrating genomic surveillance into their health monitoring system. This study sought to report surveillance data from the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health and describe the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, descriptive observational study spans three years, from April 2020 to November 2023. It was conducted on a population of consenting volunteers from across the Central African Republic, who were tested using RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal samples. Data with sufficient information were obtained from the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health (LNBCSP) databases. Sequencing was largely carried out at the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) in Kinshasa until May 2023, and subsequently at the LNBCSP. Results and Discussion: Out of 97,864 RT-PCR tests performed, 9,764 were positive, resulting in a prevalence of 9.98%. The average age of the patients was 39.97 years ± 13.76, and the male-to-female sex ratio was 2.12. RT-PCR test positivity was significantly associated with age (p = 0.001), sex (p = 0.013) and clinical manifestations. Ten variants circulated during the five recorded waves, with Omicron (B.1.1.529), Delta (B.1.617.2) variants being predominant. Notably, the B.1.620 and B.640 variants were prominent during the second wave. Conclusion: This retrospective study provides key insights into the COVID-19 pandemic in the CAR. It identifies risk factors and details the circulation of various SARS-CoV-2 variants. Enhancing national genomic surveillance capacities would enable the country to better respond to future pandemic challenges.

Development of an Integrated Disposable Device for SARSCoV-2 Nucleic Acid Extraction and Detection

Objective To develop a highly sensitive and rapid nucleic acid detection method for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Methods We designed,developed,and manufactured an integrated disposable device for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction and detection.The precision of the liquid transfer and temperature control was tested.A comparison between our device and a commercial kit for SARS-Cov-2 nucleic acid extraction was performed using real-time fluorescence reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The entire process,from SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction to amplification,was evaluated.Results The precision of the syringe transfer volume was 19.2±1.9μL(set value was 20),32.2±1.6(set value was 30),and 57.2±3.5(set value was 60).Temperature control in the amplification tube was measured at 60.0±0.0℃(set value was 60)and 95.1±0.2℃(set value was 95)respectively.SARS-Cov-2 nucleic acid extraction yield through the device was 7.10×10^(6) copies/mL,while a commercial kit yielded 2.98×10^(6) copies/mL.The mean time to complete the entire assay,from SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction to amplification detection,was 36 min and 45 s.The detection limit for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid was 250 copies/mL.Conclusion The integrated disposable devices may be used for SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care test(POCT).

Effectiveness of Wastewater-Based Epidemiology as an Early Warning Tool to Detect SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Medical diagnostic tests to detect Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) for individuals in the United States were initially limited to people who were traveling or symptomatic to track disease incidence due to the cost of providing testing for all people in a community on a routine basis. As an alternative to randomly sampling large groups of people to track disease incidence at significant cost, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a well-established and cost-effective technique to passively measure the prevalence of disease in communities without requiring invasive testing. WBE can also be used as a forecasting tool since the virus is shed in individuals prior to developing symptoms that might otherwise prompt testing. This study applied the WBE approach to understand its effectiveness as a possible forecasting tool by monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 levels in raw wastewater sampled from sewer lift stations at a large public university campus setting including dormitories, academic buildings, and athletic facilities. The WBE analysis was conducted by sampling from building-specific lift stations and enumerating target viral copies using RT-qPCR analysis. The WBE results were compared with the 7-day rolling averages of confirmed infected individuals for the following week after the wastewater sample analysis. In most cases, changes in the WBE outcomes were followed by similar trends in the clinical data. The positive predictive value of the applied WBE approach was 86% for the following week of the sample collection. In contrast, positive correlations between the two data with Spearmen correlation (rs) ranged from 0.16 to 0.36. A stronger correlation (rs = 0.18 to 0.51) was observed when WBE results were compared with COVID-19 cases identified on the next day of the sampling events. The P value of 0.007 for Dorm A suggests high significance, while moderate significance was observed for the other dormitories (B, C, and D). The outcomes of this investigation demonstrate that WBE can be a valuable tool to track the progression of diseases like COVID-19 seven days before diagnostic cases are confirmed, allowing authorities to take necessary measures in advance and also enable authorities to decide to reopen a facility after a quarantine.

Highly Sensitive Poly-N-isopropylacrylamide Microgel-based Electrochemical Biosensor for the Detection of SARS-COV-2 Spike Protein

Objective Late 2019 witnessed the outbreak and widespread transmission of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),a new,highly contagious disease caused by novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Consequently,considerable attention has been paid to the development of new diagnostic tools for the early detection of SARS-CoV-2.Methods In this study,a new poly-N-isopropylacrylamide microgel-based electrochemical sensor was explored to detect the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein(S protein)in human saliva.The microgel was composed of a copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid,and gold nanoparticles were encapsulated within the microgel through facile and economical fabrication.The electrochemical performance of the sensor was evaluated through differential pulse voltammetry.Results Under optimal experimental conditions,the linear range of the sensor was 10-13-10-9 mg/m L,whereas the detection limit was 9.55 fg/mL.Furthermore,the S protein was instilled in artificial saliva as the infected human saliva model,and the sensing platform showed satisfactory detection capability.Conclusion The sensing platform exhibited excellent specificity and sensitivity in detecting spike protein,indicating its potential application for the time-saving and inexpensive detection of SARS-CoV-2.

Clinical application of SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection and monoclonal antibody therapies against COVID-19

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical application of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2)specific antibody detection and anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific monoclonal antibodies(mAbs)in the treatment of coronavirus infectious disease 2019(COVID-19).The dynamic changes of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies during COVID-19 were studied.Immunoglobulin M(IgM)appeared earlier and lasted for a short time,while immunoglobulin G(IgG)appeared later and lasted longer.IgM tests can be used for early diagnosis of COVID-19,and IgG tests can be used for late diagnosis of COVID-19 and identification of asymptomatic infected persons.The combination of antibody testing and nucleic acid testing,which complement each other,can improve the diagnosis rate of COVID-19.Monoclonal anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies can be used to treat hospitalized severe and critically ill patients and non-hospitalized mild to moderate COVID-19 patients.COVID-19 convalescent plasma,highly concentrated immunoglobulin,and anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific mAbs are examples of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody products.Due to the continuous emergence of mutated strains of the novel coronavirus,especially omicron,its immune escape ability and infectivity are enhanced,making the effects of authorized products reduced or invalid.Therefore,the optimal application of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody products(especially anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific mAbs)is more effective in the treatment of COVID-19 and more conducive to patient recovery.

Performance Evaluation of Real Time Polymerase Reaction Assay (SCODA) for Detection of SARS-CoV-2

In order to robustly detect and quantify gene expression from small amounts of RNA, amplification of the gene transcript is necessary. Real Time PCR is useful for detection and quantification of genetic constitution of pathogens. This technique amplifies a tiny DNA target million or billion times in such a way that it can be easily studied by scientists. Availability of highly sensitive and specific assay for the detection of SARS-Cov-2 and easy accessibility of such was necessary for early diagnosis and effective management of COVID-19 infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance characteristic of SCODA. Validation of SCODA was performed using synthesized standards and clinical samples previously tested using a commercially approved COVID-19 RT-qPCR detection kit (LifeRiver). The assay showed a linearity of 98.2% on the ORF1ab target and 99.8% on the N-gene target. The sensitivity and specificity were both 100%. Analysis for the LoD95 produced 74.04 (CI: 25 - 1000) cp/μl on ORF1ab gene and 1.119 (CI: 1 - 1) cp/μl on N-gene target with a precision of CV ≤ 3%. SCODA showed high comparable performance in comparison with LifeRiver and other commercial COVID-19 RT-qPCR test kits.

SARS-CoV-2合并感染患者的病原微生物分布特征及耐药性分析

目的分析严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2(severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,SARS-CoV-2)合并感染患者病原微生物分布特点及耐药情况,为临床诊治提供依据。方法收集2022年12月至2023年2月延安大学附属医院收治的2019冠状病毒病(corona virus disease 2019,COVID-19)患者637例的临床资料,回顾性分析其临床特征及合并感染病原微生物情况。结果COVID-19患者以老年人为主,合并基础疾病患者占79.59%,好转及痊愈患者高达91.05%。培养阳性标本来源于呼吸道、血液和尿液,合并感染的病原微生物分别以肺炎克雷伯杆菌、凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌(coagulase negative staphylococci,CNS)和真菌为主。药敏试验结果显示,肺炎克雷伯杆菌对β内酰胺类抗生素及三代、四代头孢菌素类抗生素耐药率较低(14%~20%),鲍曼不动杆菌对氨基糖苷类抗生素和β内酰胺类复合物较为耐药(均>45%),大肠埃希菌对β内酰胺类抗生素及其复合物耐药率较低(14%~19%)。金黄色葡萄球菌、CNS、屎肠球菌、粪肠球菌均未发现对万古霉素、利奈唑胺、替加环素耐药。结论COVID-19合并感染病原体以革兰阴性菌及真菌为主,感染部位以呼吸道为主,主要病原菌为肺炎克雷伯杆菌。鲍曼不动杆菌对氨基糖苷类抗生素和β内酰胺类复合物耐药率高于全国细菌耐药平均水平,提示临床上应根据COVID-19患者的微生物鉴定和药敏试验结果,选择对症药物治疗,以改善患者预后。

糖尿病患者接种SARS-Cov-2疫苗后的免疫反应:系统评价

目的系统评价糖尿病患者在接种SARS-CoV-2疫苗后的体液和细胞免疫反应。方法检索Web of Science、PubMed、中国知网、万方数据知识服务平台、维普中文科技期刊全文数据库和中国生物医学文献数据库,获取国内外于2019年12月1日至2022年5月12日公开发表的有关糖尿病患者接种SARS-CoV-2疫苗后的体液和细胞免疫反应的观察性研究,经由2名研究者独立筛选文献和提取资料后,采用美国国立卫生研究质量评价工具对纳入文献进行偏倚风险评价,使用描述性统计方法进行汇总分析。结果13篇文献共纳入66651例研究对象,其中5874例(7.9%)患有糖尿病。7篇文献报道了接种第1剂疫苗后糖尿病患者和对照组的免疫反应,其中3篇文献表明,接种1剂SARS-CoV-2疫苗后,糖尿病患者血清抗体水平和阳性率低于对照组;11篇涉及接种2剂SARS-CoV-2疫苗后的免疫反应的文献中,2篇报道了糖尿病患者可产生与对照组相似的抗体反应,9篇报道了糖尿病患者的血清抗体水平、阳性率或细胞免疫反应低于对照组。结论接种SARS-CoV-2疫苗后糖尿病患者和对照组体液和细胞免疫反应均有所增加,但糖尿病患者增加幅度普遍低于对照组。

基于hACE2转导建立SARS-CoV-2 spike假病毒感染病证结合的小鼠病毒肺炎模型

目的建立与评价一种安全、经济、有效的病证结合小鼠新冠病毒感染肺炎模型。方法30只KM种小鼠随机分为空白组、对照组及实验1组、实验2组、实验3组,每组各6只。每天把KM小鼠置于模拟寒湿环境中4 h,将表达hACE2的重组腺相关病毒(pAAV-hACE2)采用改良悬挂法气管内给药转导至肺组织,继以新型冠状病毒(SARS-CoV-2)spike假病毒采用相同的气管内给药方式造模。观察各组小鼠一般情况,检测体重变化、肺指数、血清炎性因子及肺部病理变化。结果免疫组化法显示h ACE2在小鼠肺组织中有效表达;在寒湿环境中给予SARS-CoV-2 spike假病毒后,实验组小鼠表现出类似疫毒犯肺证候的体征;且同样喂养条件和时间下,与空白组和对照组小鼠比较,实验组小鼠出现体重下降;实验1、2、3组小鼠出现肺指数显著增大(P<0.05或P<0.01),血清炎性因子白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、白细胞介素-8(IL-8)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)显著升高(P<0.01),肺组织病理改变明显。结论本研究成功建立了一种安全、经济、有效的病证结合小鼠新冠病毒感染肺炎模型。

hiPSCs分化的细胞和类器官在SARS-CoV-2感染研究上的应用

SARS-CoV-2引起全球性传染病COVID-19的大流行,SARS-CoV-2感染研究对于了解人体细胞和器官被此种病毒感染后的病理反应具有重要意义。将hiPSCs分化为呼吸道、肺类器官、神经系统细胞、脑类器官、心肌细胞、血管、肠类器官和肾类器官,进行SARS-CoV-2感染研究,发现这些细胞和类器官受SARS-CoV-2感染,生理活性受损,生理功能削弱,促炎性因子分泌增加,类器官发生炎症反应和功能退化现象。因此,hiPSCs分化的细胞和类器官可用于SARS-CoV-2感染研究,病毒感染会影响这些细胞和类器官的功能。

SARS-CoV-2重组痘苗病毒疫苗rVTT△TK-RBD的构建、筛选及免疫原性研究

目的 构建重组痘苗病毒载体疫苗rVTT△TK-RBD,并评价其安全性和免疫原性。方法 参考严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2(SARS-CoV-2)基因序列合成受体结合域(RBD)基因,并将其插入自主构建的重组质粒pSTKE的多克隆位点上,构建重组痘苗病毒穿梭载体pSTKE-RBD,并转染到预先感染天坛株痘苗病毒(VTT)的BHK-21细胞内,经多轮的荧光噬斑筛选成功获得重组痘苗病毒rVTT△TK-RBD;通过滴鼻方式免疫小鼠后,检测rVTT△TK-RBD对BALB/c小鼠体质量的影响;通过肌肉免疫小鼠后,分析rVTT△TK-RBD对BALB/c小鼠产生的特异性抗体和中和抗体的水平;通过流式细胞术检测rVTT△TK-RBD对BALB/c小鼠T细胞亚群的影响。结果 利用同源重组、增强型绿色荧光蛋白(EGFP)筛选标记和多次荧光噬斑筛选,成功筛选获得了表达RBD的胸腺激酶(TK)基因缺失型重组痘苗病毒rVTT△TK-RBD,且PCR验证成功。BALB/c小鼠体内实验表明rVTT△TK-RBD具有较好的抗SARS-CoV-2的免疫原性且相比于亲本株VTT明显降低了对机体的毒性作用。结论 成功构建并获得SARS-CoV-2重组痘苗病毒疫苗rVTT△TK-RBD并通过各项试验证明其安全性和免疫原性。

重组SARS-CoV-2 Omicron变异株S1蛋白的表达及免疫原性评价

目的构建表达新型冠状病毒(SARS-CoV-2)Omicron BA.1变异株S1蛋白的真核表达载体,在CHO-K1细胞中进行表达,评价其免疫原性,并对佐剂和抗原剂量进行研究。方法构建重组质粒UCOE-Omi-S1,转染至CHO-K1工程细胞中进行表达和纯化,通过SDS-PAGE和Western blot法实验鉴定重组S1蛋白。将BALB/c小鼠随机分为12组,即PBS组,无佐剂组(高、中、低剂量组),铝盐佐剂对照组,MF59佐剂对照组,铝盐佐剂实验组(高、中、低剂量组),MF59佐剂实验组(高、中、低剂量组),将按照分组要求配比的溶液经小鼠肌内注射3次,间隔14天,每2周尾静脉采血,末次免疫30天后取血分离血清,酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)检测血清抗体水平,并和SARS-CoV-2原型株的假病毒和SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1变异株的假病毒进行假病毒中和实验。结果目的蛋白在CHO-K1工程细胞表达后可分泌到培养上清中,在相对分子质量约为70kDa处可见1条特异性蛋白表达条带,经Western blot法鉴定为Omi-S1蛋白。铝盐佐剂组和MF59佐剂组免疫诱导效果优于无佐剂组,铝盐佐剂组和MF59佐剂组免疫诱导效果相差不大,但MF59佐剂起效快;高、中、低剂量组的免疫诱导效果在第8周相差不大,但高剂量组起效快。假病毒中和实验表明,MF59佐剂实验组针对Omicron变异株的中和抗体水平高于铝盐佐剂组。结论本研究所构建的Omicron S1重组蛋白免疫原性良好,在小鼠体内产生了良好的体液免疫应答,并诱导高水平的对抗SARS-CoV-2假病毒的中和抗体,对佐剂和抗原剂量初步研究,结果显示,10μg以下抗原剂量搭配MF59佐剂可获得较好的免疫效果。本研究为SARS-CoV-2变异株的重组蛋白疫苗的研制提供了实验基础。

基于双核酸适配体的磁珠-SERS标签三明治结构用于SARS-CoV-2病毒表面S蛋白的快速检测

面对新型冠状病毒2019(COVID-19)传播速度极快的情况,发展快速、准确和低成本的诊断方法以检测SARS-CoV-2病毒的特定抗原非常必要。基于逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)的COVID-19检测需要特定的实验室,耗时较长。本文针对SARS-CoV-2刺突蛋白,提出了一种基于核酸适配体特异性识别的一步捕获底物和检测探针的表面增强拉曼光谱(SERS)检测平台。利用模拟病毒(PSV)进行实验,不经预处理,在5 min内用便携式拉曼光谱仪检测SARS-CoV-2病毒及其变异株。实验结果表明,针对模拟病毒的检出限为200 TU/mL。此外,该方法可以检测另外5种SARS-CoV-2的变异病毒株,咽拭子体系中的极限检测限可以达到5000 TU/mL。实际大批量咽拭子的实验结果可以达到特异性为100%的效果。因此,该平台在SARS-CoV-2的医护点快速诊断中具有很大的应用潜力。

SARS-CoV-2 ORF7a通过靶向IKKβ激活NF-κB信号通路促进细胞炎症因子释放

目的:探究SARS-CoV-2辅助蛋白ORF7a介导NF-κB激活,进而诱导炎症因子产生的分子机制。方法:双荧光素酶报告基因试验检测ORF7a对NF-κB激活的影响,qRT-PCR检测ORF7a对细胞中炎症因子表达的影响,Western blot、核质分离及免疫荧光技术检测ORF7a蛋白对p65磷酸化及入核的影响,免疫共沉淀及免疫荧光技术检测ORF7a的作用靶标蛋白。结果:报告基因试验表明ORF7a显著激活NF-κB启动子活性,并呈剂量依赖性(P<0.001),而对AP-1报告基因的激活无明显影响。ORF7a显著上调细胞因子TNF-α、IL-β及IL-8 mRNA表达(P<0.05)。Western blot结果显示ORF7a显著增强p65蛋白磷酸化(P<0.05)及p65的入核(P<0.01)。免疫共沉淀实验发现ORF7a与NF-κB信号通路分子IKKβ蛋白存在相互作用,免疫荧光实验也证实ORF7a与IKKβ具有共定位。结论:SARS-CoV-2 ORF7a通过靶向IKKβ激活NF-κB信号通路,进而促进细胞中炎症因子的释放。

SARS-CoV-2广谱中和抗体性质鉴定

目的:对严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2(SARS-CoV-2)广谱中和抗体XMA09进行性质鉴定,探究其广谱中和突变株的潜在机制,为SARS-CoV-2的疫苗设计与广谱中和抗体筛选提供参考。方法:通过ExpiCHO真核表达系统与Protein A层析柱表达纯化XMA09蛋白;冷冻电镜技术确定XMA09识别的受体结构域(RBD)上的关键氨基酸位点;间接ELISA与表面等离子共振(SPR)技术检测XMA09对SARS-CoV-2及其突变株Spike蛋白的亲和力;采用基于水疱性口炎病毒(VSV)的假病毒系统检测XMA09对SARS-CoV-2野生型及突变株的中和能力。结果:本研究发现XMA09识别的表位较为保守,对多种突变株Spike蛋白均具有强结合能力,能广谱中和关切突变株(VOCs),包括广泛流行的Omicron亚突变株BA.4/5。结论:XMA09是SARS-CoV-2广谱中和抗体,具有作为SARS-CoV-2治疗性抗体的潜力,并可为SARS-CoV-2的广谱疫苗设计与抗体药物开发提供参考意义。

槲皮素通过抑制ACE2治疗SARS-CoV-2所致心肌损伤的研究进展

2019年底,由重症急性呼吸道综合征冠状病毒2(SARS-CoV-2)引起的新型冠状病毒病肺炎(COVID-19)在全球迅速蔓延,由于其潜伏期长、传播性强、突变率高,因此,COVID-19的防治已成为全球卫生领域的焦点问题。由于人体呼吸道黏膜表面血管紧张素转换酶2(angiotensin converting enzyme 2,ACE2)含量丰富,而SARS-CoV-2表面的刺突蛋白(S蛋白)具有介导受体识别和结合功能,其受体结构域可特异性结合ACE2的肽酶结构域。因此,ACE2是作为SARS-CoV-2感染的宿主的途径,在SARS-CoV-2感染机体过程中发挥至关重要的作用。与此同时,心肌组织ACE2含量较丰富,且COVID-19合并心肌损伤患者心肌组织ACE2呈现表达异常。而我国传统中医药六大处方防治COVID-19疗效显著,其中,共有中药单体成分槲皮素备受关注,防治机制可能与槲皮素抑制ACE2密切相关。迄今为止,少有SARS-CoV-2所致心肌损伤药物治疗的相关报道。因此,本文旨在通过文献汇总和生信预测探讨槲皮素是否通过抑制ACE2在心肌组织中的高表达从而改善COVID-19所致心肌损伤,从而降低COVID-19患者心源性死亡率及心血管并发症。