Christina Fichter
A5050411648- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies
- SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
- Virus-based gene therapy research
- Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
- CAR-T cell therapy research
- RNA Interference and Gene Delivery
- Land Use and Ecosystem Services
- Biosensors and Analytical Detection
- Animal Virus Infections Studies
- Urbanization and City Planning
- Regional Economic and Spatial Analysis
- Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies Research
UNSW Sydney
2021-2024
James N. Kirby Foundation
2024
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody neutralization response and its evasion by emerging viral variants variant of concern (VOC) are unknown, but critical to understand reinfection risk breakthrough infection following vaccination. Antibody immunoreactivity against SARS-CoV-2 antigens Spike variants, inhibition Spike-driven virus–cell fusion, infectious were characterized in 807 serial samples from 233 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction...
In July/August 2023, the highly mutated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) BA.2.86 lineage emerged and its descendant JN.1 is on track to become dominant SARS-CoV-2 globally. Compared spike (S) protein of parental lineage, S contains one mutation, L455S, which may affect receptor binding antibody evasion. Here, we performed a virological assessment employing pseudovirus particles bearing diverse proteins. Using this strategy, it was found that mutation L455S confers...
Considerable concerns relating to the duration of protective immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) exist, with evidence antibody titers declining rapidly after infection and reports reinfection. Here, we monitor responses SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) for up 6 months infection. While are maintained, ∼13% cohort's neutralizing return background. However, encouragingly, in a selected subset 13 participants, 12 have detectable RBD-specific...
Abstract Genetically distinct viral variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been recorded since January 2020. Over this time global vaccine programs introduced, contributing to lowered COVID-19 hospitalisation and mortality rates, particularly in the first world. In late 2021, Omicron (B.1.1.529) virus variant emerged, with significant genetic differences clinical effects from other concern (VOC). This demonstrated higher numbers polymorphisms gene...
Abstract Genetically distinct variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have emerged since the start COVID-19 pandemic. Over this period, we developed a rapid platform (R-20) for viral isolation and characterization using primary remnant diagnostic swabs. This, combined with quarantine testing genomics surveillance, enabled all major SARS-CoV-2 circulating in Australia 2021. Our facilitated variant isolation, resolution fitness nasopharyngeal swabs ranking...
Abstract Continued high-level spread of SARS-CoV-2 has enabled an accumulation changes within the Spike glycoprotein, leading to resistance neutralising antibodies and concomitant entry requirements that increased viral transmission fitness. Herein, we demonstrate a significant change in angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS2) dependent by primary isolates occurred upon arrival Omicron lineages. Mechanistically show this shift be function two distinct...
Gene/cell therapies are promising strategies for the many presently incurable diseases. A key step in this process is efficient delivery of genes and gene-editing enzymes to cell types that may be resistant lentiviral vector transduction. Herein we describe tuning a gene therapy platform focus on genetic modifications resting CD4+ T cells. The motivation was find solutions HIV efforts. Through selection optimal viral envelope further modification its expression, fusogenic into cells exceeded...
Abstract Background Continued phenotyping and ongoing surveillance are important in current future monitoring of emerging SARS-CoV-2 lineages. Herein we developed pragmatic strategies to track the emergence, spread phenotype variants Australia an era decreasing diagnostic PCR testing focused cohort-based studies. This was aligned longitudinal studies that span 4 years COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Throughout 2023, partnered with pathology providers pathogen genomics teams identify relevant or...