The pathophysiology (body function disruption) of critical COVID-19 cases is qualitatively different from other cases. Amongst other elements, hyper-inflammation, massive infiltration of macrophage into the lungs and thromboses have been noted, with overall damage to lung functioning. In patients with respiratory distress, corticosteroids (steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have substantial therapeutic benefits, while in other patients they […]

By disabling one gene at a time, and thereby disabling the protein encoded by this gene, it is possible to understand its role. Several teams were able to identify proteins necessary for infection with the virus. What did we discover? The genes necessary to the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycanes (also called GAGs) are important in the […]

A new variant coming from the United Kingdom has just been discovered. This new strain of the virus has 17 mutations, of which the most important is situated in position 501 of the spike protein (N501Y, where the asparagine amino acid is replaced by a tyrosine amino acid). In principle this mutation allows SARS-CoV-2 to […]

Since the beginning of the pandemic, a large part of the population has avoided the virus and so remains non-immunized. A safe and effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 could help with controlling the illness and keeping individuals safe from severe infection. The vaccine, developed by AstraZeneca in collaboration with Oxford University, is made up of a […]

To be effective against SARS-CoV-2, a vaccine needs to generate a significant number of neutralizing antibodies targeting the spike viral protein (a surface protein). But to achieve this, a viral antigen needs to be transported and expressed. It now seems possible to use an already-existing vaccine, that which is used and is effective against yellow […]

The most widespread current test for SARS-CoV-2 is the PCR test, which detects the virus’ presence by amplifying its genetic material. Although it is used worldwide, results may often only arrive several days after testing due to laboratories being saturated. There is therefore clearly an urgent need for quicker tests that are just as reliable. […]

Recent studies carried out in rhesus macaques have shown that a natural infection as well as several candidate vaccines could effectively protect against reinfection by SARS-CoV-2. This protection is correlated, inter alia, with levels of “neutralizing” antibodies that stop the virus interacting with its target cell. But specific immunity is made up of the humoral […]

SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the family of coronaviruses. This family comprises two other viruses highly pathogenic to humans (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) but also viruses causing benign illnesses in the community (such as colds). COVID-19 is a disease of variable clinical evolution: some people infected remain asymptomatic, while others have clinical signs such as fever, anosmia (loss […]

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there has been an incredible worldwide research effort into vaccines. At least 180 vaccines have seen the light of day, with at least 12 of them at the stage of phase 3 trials. But when a vaccine has been found to be safe and effective, should scientists feel it necessary […]

The SARS-CoV-2 virus had its origin in animals, from where it was transmitted to humans, and this quickly led to the pandemic. The transmission of the virus is principally human-to-human, but it may be transmitted to certain animals, particularly domestic ones. Sporadic cases of dogs and cats being infected have been reported: some dogs have […]