SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.5 infects wild-type C57BL/6 mice and induces a protective CD4 T cell response required for viral clearance.

Mouse models are critical for studying SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and evaluating therapeutic and preventive strategies. Standard C57BL/6 mice are generally resistant to infection with the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain due to inefficient binding of the viral spike protein to the murine angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Although human ACE2 transgenic mice can support robust pulmonary infection, these models often develop fatal encephalitis, a pathology not commonly observed in humans.

Entry Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Targeting the Transmembrane Domain of the Spike Protein.

Despite current vaccines and therapeutics targeting SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, cases remain high causing a burden on health care systems. Spike-protein mediated membrane fusion of SARS-CoV-2 is a critical step in viral entry. Herein, we describe entry inhibitors identified by first screening a library of about 160 compounds and then analogue synthesis.

Neurobiological Alterations Induced by SARS-CoV-2: Insights from Variant-Specific Host Gene Expression Patterns in hACE2-Expressing Mice.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, various severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants have emerged. Although the primary site of SARS-CoV-2 infection is the lungs, it can also affect the brain and induce neurological symptoms. However, the specific effects of different variants on the brain remain unclear.

Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant causes severe pulmonary disease in K18-hACE-2 mice.

Owing to their continuous evolution, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) display disparate pathogenicity in mouse models. Omicron and its sublineages have been dominant worldwide. Compared to pre-Omicron VOCs, early Omicron subvariants reportedly cause attenuated disease in human ACE-2-expressing mice (K18-hACE-2).

Generation and Characterization of a Multi-Functional Panel of Monoclonal Antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 Research and Treatment.

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an ongoing threat to global public health. To this end, intense efforts are underway to develop reagents to aid in diagnostics, enhance preventative measures, and provide therapeutics for managing COVID-19. The recent emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants with enhanced transmissibility, altered antigenicity, and significant escape of existing monoclonal antibodies and vaccines underlines the importance of the continued development of such agents.