Recent data published indicates great hope in a newly developed COVID-19 vaccine

Developed by City of Hope researchers, an investigational COVID-19 vaccine was seen to produce both antibody and T cell response against the virus in clinical trials. The vaccine, COH04S1, differs from previous vaccines developed to target COVID-19. COH04S1 targets two different proteins of the virus, the spike and nucleocapsid proteins. This combination of antigens into one vaccine grants substantial T cell immunity. Even as new mutations arise in the virus’ spike protein, antigens of the nucleocapsid would protect individuals from COVID-19. The vaccine is currently undergoing phase 2 clinical trials, being evaluated for both efficacy for immunocompromised cancer patients and as a Phase 2 vaccine booster.

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Restoring p53 function with mRNA nanoparticles and immune checkpoint blockade to enhance immunotherapy

A collaboration between researchers at Mass General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s led to fruitful findings for a transformative approach to Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The team began with hopes to address the current limitations of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). A new class of drugs that despite demonstrating the ability to enhance anti-tumor immunity, only elicit responses in a small fraction of patients. Through use of p53 targeted mRNA nanoparticles, researchers were able to restore p53 function in an immunosuppressed environment to potentiate ICB response in HCC murine models. Success was observed through effective reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment and suppression of tumor growth.
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Exciting research reveals new potential in investigating “hybrid immunity” against Covid-19 and evolving variant

Exciting research reveals new potential in investigating “hybrid immunity” against Covid-19 and evolving variants. A year-long project from Rockefeller university led to unanticipated results indicating individuals who were previously infected with the virus and later vaccinated have “hybrid immunity”, super immunity against Covid-19 and newer variants. Primary investigation focused on anticipating more resilient variants of Covid-19, in hopes to get ahead of the pandemic. Following exposure of an engineered virus to blood samples, initial results were as expected but what soon followed was a well-welcomed surprise. The blood samples of individuals who recovered from Covid-19 and were then vaccinated showed incredibly diverse antibodies, of much greater quantity than people double vaccinated and boosted. These qualities have granted these individuals “hybrid immunity” and greater defense against new and evolving Covid-19 variants. Hope remains in continued research to mimic “hybrid immunity” through advancing vaccine regimes, as to end this pandemic and better defend against future ones.
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