SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus (COVID-19)

cnn: 'more than 370 workers at a pork plant tested positive and all were asymptomatic'

 

Monoclonal antibodies > Antibody That Blocks Coronavirus From Infecting Cells Discovered by Scientists

 

The referenced scientific paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-16256-y

. . . The spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS2-S; 1273 residues, strain Wuhan-Hu-1) and SARS-CoV (SARS-S, 1255 residues, strain Urbani) are 77.5% identical by primary amino acid sequence, are structurally very similar12,13,14,15 and commonly bind the human angiotensin coverting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein as a host receptor1,16 through their S1B domain. . . .
In conclusion, this is the first report of a (human) monoclonal antibody that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2. 47D11 binds a conserved epitope on the spike RBD explaining its ability to cross-neutralize SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, using a mechanism that is independent of receptor-binding inhibition. This antibody will be useful for development of antigen detection tests and serological assays targeting SARS-CoV-2. Neutralizing antibodies can alter the course of infection in the infected host supporting virus clearance or protect an uninfected host that is exposed to the virus4. Hence, this antibody—either alone or in combination—offers the potential to prevent and/or treat COVID-19, and possibly also other future emerging diseases in humans caused by viruses from the Sarbecovirus subgenus.
. . .​

First off, I'm not throwing dirt on their results. Just offering caution that this may be two-base hit, not yet a run scored at home. There are substantial tests and studies yet to be done. Regardless, it looks to be a productive, trail breaker.

Bob Wilson

 

Indeed, medical use of the neutralizing monoclonal antibody is not a new concept, but making it work as therapeutic agent in human is not an easy feat by any mean. Testing the safety and efficacy first in animals and next in human is next logical steps. Even if it is proven to be safe and effective, how long it stays in the system, when and how to administer must be carefully examined. And if approved for use, scaling up the production is going to be the next hurdle.

Here is research describing a different approach using recombinant ACE2-Ig to block the viral entry into the host cells.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-16048-4

 

And now, your minute of looking on the bright side of things:

"In Japan, the ‘Murder Hornet’ Is Both a Lethal Threat and a Tasty Treat. Long before the insects found their way to American shores, some Japanese prized them for their numbing crunch and the venomous buzz they add to liquor." https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/05/world/asia/murder-hornet-japan.html

Focusing back on the more immediate topic:

There also is a published study using soluble recombinant ACE2 protein as a trap to bind viral particles so they can't attach to your cells. https://www.cell.com/pb-assets/products/coronavirus/CELL_CELL-D-20-00739.pdf . Clinical trials are underway Recombinant Human Angiotensin-converting Enzyme 2 (rhACE2) as a Treatment for Patients With COVID-19 - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov

 

nyt: 'strange new kawasaki syndrome like illness found in 15 children in new york, only previously seen in europe'

 

Brother George, a nurse, and his daughter, evolutionary geneticist, live in Tempe where this May 1, sequencing report came from:
“An 81 nucleotide deletion in SARS-CoV-2 ORF7a identified from sentinel surveillance in Arizona (Jan-Mar 2020)”.

The long RNA sequence, ~30,000 sequences, suggests mutations are likely and a real challenge for treatments and vaccines. Aggressive testing and contact tracing are still our primary defense.

As for Alabama, the counties with meat packing businesses remain the primary source. I'm not sure the incarcerated are being tested.

Bob Wilson

 

400 packers positive with no symptoms? might be a good thing

 

mhtc.org: mass high tech council, covid-19 back-to-work planning briefing

long, full of data and science. you folks ought to love it

 

timing is everything

 

Excellent read from Korea: Flattening the curve on COVID-19www.korea.kr › common › download

Bob Wilson

 

c or d?

 

There goes the milk aisle again.

 

orange juice

 

c or d?

 

o & j

 

It must have been a typo. The link mentions only D.