Dynamics of immunity over time: decline of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies and T-cell responses after mRNA vaccination in residents and health care workers in nursing homes and homes with assisted living support.

Background: In the present study, we investigated the dynamics of immunity over time by measuring anti SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies and SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cell responses (interferon-gamma release assay) after two doses of vaccines in residents and health care workers (HCW). Mostly, 224 (98%) residents and 244 (89%) HCW received two doses of mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2, Pfizer-BioNTech); the rest of the participants received heterologous vaccinations with mRNA and vector vaccines. The study was conducted at the time when the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 prevailed.

3D tissue platforms to investigate the early phases of influenza a virus- and SARS-CoV-2-induced respiratory diseases.

Pandemic outbreaks of viruses such as influenza virus or SARS-CoV-2 are associated with high morbidity and mortality and thus pose a massive threat to global health and economics. Physiologically relevant models are needed to study the viral life cycle, describe the pathophysiological consequences of viral infection, and explore possible drug targets and treatment options. While simple cell culture-based models do not reflect the tissue environment and systemic responses, animal models are linked with huge direct and indirect costs and ethical questions.

Antiviral potential of human IFN-α subtypes against influenza A H3N2 infection in human lung explants reveals subtype-specific activities.

Influenza is an acute respiratory infection causing high morbidity and mortality in annual outbreaks worldwide. Antiviral drugs are limited and pose the risk of resistance development, calling for new treatment options. IFN-α subtypes are immune-stimulatory cytokines with strong antiviral activities against IAV and However, the clinical use of IFN-α2, the only licensed subtype of this multi-gene family, could not prevent or limit IAV infections in humans.