The invention relates to one or more aptamers isolated against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and methods of using the same. Certain embodiments of the invention relate to methods of detecting the presence, absence or amount of SARS-CoV-2 in a sample using the one or more aptamers described herein. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to one or more aptamers that are capable of specifically binding to SARS-CoV-2 proteins, including aptamers that are capable of specifically binding to the S1 subunit (including the receptor binding domain (RBD)) and/or the S2 subunit within their native conformation as part of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in its trimeric form or as separate monomers.

Complexes of coronavirus spike proteins, as well as fragments or mutants thereof wherein the fragment or mutant thereof at least contains a receptor binding domain of said coronavirus spike protein, with linoleic acid, or a derivative or a salt or a mimetic thereof. Methods for producing the complexes of the invention by incubating coronavirus spike proteins with linoleic acid or a derivative or a salt or a mimetic thereof. . In vitro methods for identifying molecules which have therapeutic potential for diseases caused by coronaviruses by contacting the molecule with a coronavirus spike protein and linoleic acid or a derivative or salt or mimetic thereof. A method of treatment of coronavirus infection by administration of linoleic acid, or a derivative, a salt or a mimetic thereof to a subject in need thereof, by administration of an aerosol formulation or dry powder formulation to the respiratory tract, preferably by nasal administration.

Sensitive detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is important to assessing immune responses to viral infection or vaccination and immunity duration. Antibody assays using non-invasive body fluids such as saliva could facilitate mass testing including young children, elderly and those who resist blood draws, and easily allowing longitudinal testing/monitoring of antibodies over time. Here, we developed a new lateral flow (nLF) assay that sensitively detects SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in the saliva samples of vaccinated individuals and previous COVID-19 patients. The 25 minutes nLF assay detected anti-spike protein (anti-S1) IgG in saliva samples with 100% specificity and high sensitivity from both vaccinated (99.51% for samples ≥19 days post 1st Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccine dose) and infected individuals. Antibodies against nucleocapsid protein (anti-NCP) was detected only in the saliva samples of COVID-19 patients and not in vaccinated samples, allowing facile differentiation of vaccination from infection. Salivary SARS-CoV-2 anti-S1 IgG antibodies correlated with that in matched dried blood spot (DBS) samples measured by a quantitative pGOLD™ lab-test, showing similar evolution trends post vaccination. The new salivary rapid test platform is applicable to non-invasive detection of antibodies against infection and vaccination for a wide range of diseases.

Kits and methods for the detection and enrichment of RNA viruses of the family Coronaviridae. The detection method comprises the steps of (a) coupling a binding agent that specifically recognizes and binds to a virus component to a carrier material, (b) incubating the carrier material with the thereon coupled binding agent with a virus-containing sample, (c) staining the viruses immobilised on the carrier material with a staining agent, and (d) detecting stained virus particles via a physical, chemical or biological detection means. The methods may be suitable for the rapid and efficient detection of coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2. With the methods and kits, it is possible to perform rapid high-throughput tests in a large population. At the same time, the enrichment procedure makes it possible to enrich viral samples, e.g. from a throat swab of a patient, for use in a subsequent PCR.

A system configured to determine the load in a liquid sample of predetermined antigens is provided. The system comprises a measurement chamber configured for receipt therein of the liquid sample, a sensor circuit, and an analysis unit. The sensor circuit comprises a plurality of working electrodes, each comprising antibodies on its surface associated with one of the predetermined antigens, at least one reference electrode, and at least one counter electrode. Proximal ends of the electrodes are disposed on a reading zone of the sensor circuit, the reading zone being disposed within the measurement chamber. The analysis unit is configured to facilitate the determination of the load of each of the antigens by measuring electrical properties of the electrodes.

An identification and an application of an ALV-J MHC-B2 restrictive epitope peptide are provided, which belong to the field of genetic engineering. An amino acid sequence of the provided ALV-J MHC-B2 restrictive epitope peptide is selected from SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:3. An application of the ALV-J MHC-B2 restrictive epitope peptide in preparing an ALV epitope-based vaccine is provided. Restrictive motif of B2-haplotype chicken MHC class I molecule binding peptides is identified by in vitro elution assay. Potential epitopes in four proteins expressed by ALV-J are systematically screened by motif. The immunogenic B2-haplotype chicken ALV-J T-cell epitope peptides are identified by functional validation. It provides a material and theoretical basis for the research and development of ALV epitope-based vaccines.

The present invention provides a new antibody against ECSA type Chikungunya virus, WA type Chikungunya virus, and Asian type Chikungunya virus or an antigen-binding fragment of the antibody. The antibody against Chikungunya virus or the antigen-binding fragment of the antibody of the present invention includes a heavy chain variable region or a heavy chain (1), (2), or (3) and a light chain variable region or a light chain (4).

Fc-fusion protein derivatives against HIV have enhanced yield in mammalian cells, and extended antiviral and immunomodulatory activities. The Fc-fusion protein derivatives can block the entry of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) into host cells, elicit effector functions through the activation of natural killer (NK) and other immune system cells, can be produced with high yield in mammalian cells, and have extended activity in vivo. Nucleic acids, vectors and host cells can express the Fc-fusion protein derivatives, which have therapeutic and diagnostic applications in human health.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the strain of coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the respiratory illness responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Antibodies produced from an immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection are used to analyze prior exposure to the virus. The present invention provides methods for detecting antibodies in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in a single multiplex immunoassay.

Provided herein are methods and compositions related to Prevotella bacteria for the reduction of IL-8, IL-6, IL-Iβ, and/C or TNFα expression and/or for the treatment of viral infections.