Projects
SARS-coV2 variants Evaluation in pRegnancy and paeDIatrics cohorts Hasselt University
Inter- and intra-community dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 spread by whole-genome sequencing and phylodynamic analysis KU Leuven
Since the introduction of SARS-CoV-2, the virus has been spreading
very rapidly and has caused severe respiratory pathology around the world. A pandemie ensued within
a short time. The virus originated from a zoonotic event, where likely a bat or even a pangolin was
carrying the virus and infected a human by animal-to-human transmission. This means that the virus
is still seeking an optimal fit with its new host, the ...
Connecting European Cohorts to Increase Common and Effective Response to SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic (ORCHESTRA). University of Antwerp
Entry inhibitors for human respiratory virus SARS-CoV-2. KU Leuven
Despite the clear success of the administered COVID-19 vaccines, we still cannot control the spread of SARS-CoV-2, as evidenced by the current circulation of the highly contagious Omicron variant. This highlights the need to continue with the development of effective broad-spectrum antivirals that can be used to rapidly diminish viral spread when an epidemic with a (re-)emerging virus occurs. Candidate SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors should show broad ...
Are SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies a correlate for protection? University of Antwerp
Development of modified anhydrohexitol nucleic acid (HNA) and altritol nucleic acid (ANA) antisense oligonucleotides to combat SARS-CoV-2 KU Leuven
Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, this pandemic virus has been a major global concern due to frequent appearance of variants that are highly transmissible and capable of evading the vaccine-elicited immune response. Antiviral drugs with high efficacy against multiple coronaviruses or variants are urgently needed to control the COVID-19 pandemic and future outbreaks by novel coronaviruses. Antisense oligonucleotides ...
Development and use of relevant hamster and mouse Sars-Cov-2 infection models to aid the design of therapeutic and prophylactic options for Covid-19. KU Leuven
IIn some patients, COVID-19 progresses from an initially mild viral syndrome to a severe and life-threatening multi-system disorder with cytokine storm. This coronavirus pandemic is putting healthcare systems worldwide under unprecedented and increasing pressure. Efficient vaccines as well antiviral (small molecules and biologicals) and anti-inflammatory drugs are urgently needed. Given the emergency, the repurposing of small molecules and/or ...
Role of autoantibodies against type I IFN in the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 and YFV KU Leuven
Type I interferons (IFNs) are ubiquitously expressed cytokines with essential contribution to both innate immunity and cell-intrinsic immunity against viral infections (Hoffmann, et al. 2015). Their receptors are present in most (if not all) cells and trigger the induction of IFN-stimulated genes (Darnell, 1997) which function to block viral replication. In addition, type I IFNs enhance antigen presentation and restrict viral infection ...
Assessing replicative fitness difference of SARS-CoV-2 circulating lineages Institute of Tropical Medicine
transmission efficiency, there are no studies yet that ...