Sex-Specific HLA Alleles Contribute to the Modulation of COVID-19 Severity.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, responsible for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), exhibits a spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic to severe pulmonary dysfunction or death. The variability in COVID-19 severity has largely been attributed to the host's genetic characteristics, suggesting a polygenic genetic architecture, without significant strong evidence of sex-related genetic differences. In this Italian retrospective case-control study, we investigated the association between COVID-19 severity (severe vs.

Using gold nanoparticles for enhanced intradermal delivery of poorly soluble auto-antigenic peptides.

Ultra-small 1-2 nm gold nanoparticles (NP) were conjugated with a poorly-soluble peptide auto-antigen, associated with type 1 diabetes, to modify the peptide pharmacokinetics, following its intradermal delivery. Peptide distribution was characterized, in vivo, after delivery using either conventional intradermal injection or a hollow microneedle device. The poorly-soluble peptide was effectively presented in distant lymph nodes (LN), spleen and draining LN when conjugated to the nanoparticles, whereas peptide alone was only presented in the draining LN.

IntegraGen SA.

IntegraGen SA is at the stage of commercializing a series of innovative IntegraTests™ to position itself as a leader within the rapidly growing market of predictive medicine. By applying its proprietary gene-mapping technology GenomeHIP™ (Genome Hybrid Identity Profiling) in premier patient collections, IntegraGen has rapidly discovered novel genes and genetic markers associated with a variety of complex, multifactorial diseases to use in its IntegraTests - a new class of personalized medicine diagnostics. IntegraTests provide prediction, prevention, detailed diagnosis and tailored treatment of complex diseases.