A5065380062- COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies
- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- COVID-19 epidemiological studies
- SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
- Cytomegalovirus and herpesvirus research
- Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
- vaccines and immunoinformatics approaches
- Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
- Intensive Care Unit Cognitive Disorders
- Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research
- Bacteriophages and microbial interactions
- Viral-associated cancers and disorders
- Mast cells and histamine
- Respiratory viral infections research
- COVID-19 diagnosis using AI
- Transgenic Plants and Applications
- Immune Cell Function and Interaction
Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research
2021-2025
Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine
2024
Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
2024
The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2. In November 2021, Omicron variant was discovered and immediately classified as a of concern (VOC), since it shows substantially more mutations in spike protein than any previous variant, especially receptor-binding domain (RBD). We analyzed binding RBD to human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor (ACE2) ability sera from patients or vaccinees comparison Wuhan, Beta, Delta variants.
Until now, information on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Germany has been based mainly data from public health offices. It may be assumed that these do not include many cases asymptomatic and mild infection.
Abstract SARS-CoV-2 variants accumulating immune escape mutations provide a significant risk to vaccine-induced protection against infection. The novel variant of concern (VoC) Omicron BA.1 and its sub-lineages have the largest number amino acid alterations in Spike protein date. Thus, they may efficiently recognition by neutralizing antibodies, allowing breakthrough infections convalescent vaccinated individuals particular those who only received primary immunization scheme. We analyzed...
ABSTRACT The recently detected Omicron BA.2.86 lineage contains more than 30 amino acid mutations relative to BA.2. and its JN.1 derivative evade neutralization by serum antibodies of fully vaccinated individuals. In this study, we elucidate epitopes driving the immune escape via pseudovirus neutralization. Thus, have generated 33 mutants, each reverting a single mutation back We use library in an approach that call reverse mutational scanning define distinct titers against epitope....
The aim of this study was to characterize the systemic cytokine signature critically ill COVID-19 patients in a high mortality setting aiming identify biomarkers severity, and explore their associations with viral loads clinical characteristics. We studied two patient cohorts from referral centre located Central Europe. were recruited during pre-alpha/alpha (November 2020 April 2021) delta (end period respectively. determined both serum bronchoalveolar SARS-CoV-2 load identified variant...
The recently detected Omicron BA.2.86 lineage contains more than 30 amino acid mutations relative to BA.2. and its JN.1 derivative evade neutralization by serum antibodies of fully vaccinated individuals. In this study, we elucidate epitopes driving the immune escape via pseudovirus neutralization. Here generate 33 mutants, each reverting a single mutation back We use library in an approach that call reverse mutational scanning define distinct titers against epitope. Mutations within...
Abstract To date, no herpesvirus has been shown to latently persist in fibroblastic cells. Here, we show that murine cytomegalovirus, a β-herpesvirus, persists for the long term and across organs PDGFRα-positive cells, with similar or higher genome loads than previously known sites of cytomegalovirus latency. Whereas gene transcription cells is almost completely silenced at 5 months post-infection, these give rise reactivated virus ex vivo, arguing they support latent infection. Notably,...
Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2. In November 2021, Omicron variant was discovered and classified as a of concern (VOC). shows substantially more mutations in spike protein than any previous variant, mostly receptor binding domain (RBD). We analyzed RBD to human ACE2 (hACE2) ability sera from patients or vaccinees comparison Wuhan, Beta Delta RBDs variants. All were produced insect cells. hACE2 ELISA microscale thermophoresis (MST). Similarly, 27...
While SARS-CoV-2 detection in sputum and swabs from the upper respiratory tract has been used as a diagnostic tool, virus quantification showed poor correlation to disease outcome thus, prognostic value. Although pulmonary compartment represents relevant site for viral load analysis, limited data exploring lower is available, its association clinical outcomes relatively unknown. Using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) serum samples, we quantified copy numbers systemic compartments of critically...
Abstract Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is an essential indicator to guide measures. Few population-based estimates are available in Germany. We determine seroprevalence allowing comparison between regions, time points, socio-demographic and health-related factors. MuSPAD a sequential multi-local study. randomly recruited adults five counties with differing cumulative incidence July 2020 - February 2021. Serostatus was determined using Spike S1-specific IgG ELISA. county-wise...
Abstract SARS-CoV-2 variants accumulating immune escape mutations provide a significant risk to vaccine-induced protection. The novel variant of concern (VoC) Omicron (B.1.1.529) has the largest number amino acid alterations in its Spike protein date. Thus, it may efficiently recognition by neutralizing antibodies, allowing breakthrough infections convalescent and vaccinated individuals. We analyzed neutralization activity sera from individuals after vaccination with all mRNA-, vector- or...
Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is an essential indicator to guide measures. Few population-based estimates are available in Germany. We determine seroprevalence allowing comparison between regions, time points, socio-demographic and health-related factors.MuSPAD a sequential multi-local study. randomly recruited adults five counties with differing cumulative incidence July 2020 - February 2021. Serostatus was determined using Spike S1-specific IgG ELISA. county-wise proportions...
Abstract Background While correlates of protection against symptomatic and severe breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections are well characterized, virus transmission incompletely understood. Methods We studied a Croatian cohort individuals with documented household exposure to in December 2022. Sera were acquired prior symptom onset, at the time COVID-19 diagnosis index cases, comprehensively analyzed for transmission. monitored participants 14 days tested them PCR end observation period identify...
Abstract To date, no herpesvirus has been shown to latently persist in fibroblastic cells. Here, we demonstrate that mouse CMV (MCMV), a β-herpesvirus, persists for the long term and across organs PDGFRα + cells, with similar or higher genome loads than previously known sites of MCMV latency. Whereas gene transcription cells was almost completely silenced at 5 months post-infection, these gave rise reactivated virus ex vivo , arguing they supported latent infection. Notably, also productive...