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Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein Markers Indicate Neuro-Damage in SARS-CoV-2-Infected Nonhuman Primates

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In this study, researchers examined the proteins expressed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in nonhuman primates (NHPs) to better understand how COVID-19 infection can result in brain pathology, a common outcome. The study found that even in NHPs with minimal or mild COVID‑19, CSF proteins were significantly dysregulated compared with uninfected NHPs.

Infant Rhesus Macaques Immunized Against SARS-CoV-2 Are Protected Against Heterologous Virus Challenge 1 Year Later

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The Moderna and Pfizer–BioNTech mRNA vaccines received emergency use authorization for infants 6 months and older in June 2022, but questions remain regarding the durability of vaccine efficacy against emerging variants in this age group. Using a two-dose vaccine regimen consisting of stabilized prefusion Washington-strain spike protein encoded by mRNA and encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles, the investigators immunized 2-month-old rhesus macaques of both sexes.

Fc-Mediated Pan-Sarbecovirus Protection After Alphavirus Vector Vaccination

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Group 2B β-coronaviruses (i.e., sarbecoviruses) have resulted in regional and global epidemics. Here, the authors evaluate the mechanisms of cross-sarbecovirus protective immunity using a panel of alphavirus-vectored vaccines covering bat to human strains. They reported that vaccination does not prevent virus replication, but it protects against lethal heterologous disease outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 and clade 2 bat sarbecovirus challenge models. Full-length spike vaccines elicited the broadest pan-sarbecovirus protection.

Spike and Nsp6 Are Key Determinants of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 Attenuation

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The ability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to mutate and create variants of concern demands new vaccines to control the COVID-19 pandemic. The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant was shown to be more immune evasive and less virulent than current major variants. The spike (S) protein in this variant carries many mutations that drive these phenotypes. Researchers generated a chimeric recombinant SARS-CoV-2 virus encoding the S gene of Omicron (BA.1 lineage) in an ancestral SARS-CoV-2 isolate and compared it with the naturally circulating Omicron variant.

Host Genetic Variation Impacts SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Response in the Diversity Outbred Mouse Population

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The COVID-19 pandemic led to the rapid and worldwide development of highly effective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Although host genetic factors are known to affect vaccine efficacy for such respiratory pathogens as influenza and tuberculosis, the impact of host genetic variation on vaccine efficacy against COVID-19 is not well understood. Investigators used the diversity outbred mouse model to study the effects of genetic variation on vaccine efficiency. Data indicate that variations in vaccine response in mice are heritable, similar to that in human populations.

NIH Partnered in Rebuilding and Transforming NYU Research Facilities From Aftermath of Superstorm Sandy

In October 2012, Superstorm Sandy hit the U.S. East Coast, causing devastation across the New York metropolitan area (Figure 1). Extensive water damage and power outages occurred throughout NYU Langone Health’s Manhattan main campus, affecting multiple research and clinical facilities and necessitating emergency patient evacuations.

ORIP Support for Small Businesses Leads to New Commercial Technology Outcomes That Benefit Community Resources and Advance Research Discoveries

ORIP participates in two federal grant programs that provide funding to small businesses: the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. The primary goal of ORIP’s small business programs is to attract innovative SBIR/STTR projects that could benefit research resources and communities associated with ORIP’s mission.

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