SARS-CoV-2 infection exacerbates the cellular pathology of Parkinson's disease in human dopaminergic neurons and a mouse model.

While an association between Parkinson's disease (PD) and viral infections has been recognized, the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on PD progression remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 infection heightens the risk of PD using human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived dopaminergic (DA) neurons and a human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) transgenic (Tg) mouse model. Our findings reveal that SARS-CoV-2 infection exacerbates PD susceptibility and cellular toxicity in DA neurons pre-treated with human preformed fibrils (hPFFs).

Development of a neutralization monoclonal antibody with a broad neutralizing effect against SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Background: The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants has challenged the effectiveness of current therapeutic regimens. Here, we aimed to develop a potent SARS-CoV-2 antibody with broad neutralizing effect by screening a scFv library with the spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) via phage display.

Methods: SKAI-DS84 was identified through phage display, and we performed pseudovirus neutralization assays, authentic virus neutralization assays, and in vivo neutralization efficacy evaluations.

Experimental Infection and Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron Variants among Beagle Dogs.

We assessed susceptibility of dogs to SARS-COV-2 Delta and Omicron variants by experimentally inoculating beagle dogs. Moreover, we investigated transmissibility of the variants from infected to naive dogs. The dogs were susceptible to infection without clinical signs and transmitted both strains to other dogs through direct contact.

Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV in Beagle Dogs.

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome, coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in unprecedented challenges to healthcare worldwide. In particular, the anthroponotic transmission of human coronaviruses has become a common concern among pet owners. Here, we experimentally inoculated beagle dogs with SARS-CoV-2 or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) to compare their susceptibility to and the pathogenicity of these viruses.

Establishment of multicenter COVID-19 therapeutics preclinical test system in Republic of Korea.

Throughout the recent COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea led national efforts to develop vaccines and therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2. The project proceeded as follows: 1) evaluation system setup (including Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL3) facility alliance, standardized nonclinical evaluation protocol, and laboratory information management system), 2) application (including committee review and selection), and 3) evaluation (including expert judgment and reporting). After receiving 101 applications, the selection committee reviewed pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and efficacy data and selected 32 final candidates.

Laboratory information management system for COVID-19 non-clinical efficacy trial data.

Background: As the number of large-scale studies involving multiple organizations producing data has steadily increased, an integrated system for a common interoperable format is needed. In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a number of global efforts are underway to develop vaccines and therapeutics. We are therefore observing an explosion in the proliferation of COVID-19 data, and interoperability is highly requested in multiple institutions participating simultaneously in COVID-19 pandemic research.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and influenza A virus co-infection alters viral tropism and haematological composition in Syrian hamsters.

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and its overlap with the influenza season lead to concerns over severe disease caused by the influenza virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) co-infections. Using a Syrian hamster co-infection model with SARS-CoV-2 and the pandemic influenza virus A/California/04/2009 (H1N1), we found (a) more severe disease in co-infected animals, compared to those infected with influenza virus alone but not SARS-CoV-2 infection alone; (b) altered haematological changes in only co-infected animals and (c) altered influenza virus tropism in the respiratory tracts of co-infected animals. Overall, our study revealed that co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus is associated with altered disease severity and tissue tropism, as well as haematological changes, compared to infection with either virus alone.

A COVID-19 Vaccine for Dogs Prevents Reverse Zoonosis.

COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which can infect both humans and animals. SARS-CoV-2 originated from bats and can affect various species capable of crossing the species barrier due to active mutation. Although reports on reverse zoonosis (human-to-animal transmission) of SARS-CoV-2 remain limited, reverse zoonosis has been reported in many species such as cats, tigers, minks, etc.

Cell-mimetic biosensors to detect avian influenza virus via viral fusion.

Avian influenza virus (AIV) causes acute infectious diseases in poultry, critically impacting food supply. Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs), in particular, cause morbidity and mortality, resulting in significant economic losses in the poultry industry. To prevent the spread of HPAIVs, detection at early stages is critical to implement effective countermeasures such as quarantine and isolation.

Non-invasive administration of AAV to target lung parenchymal cells and develop SARS-CoV-2-susceptible mice.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene delivery holds great promise for gene therapy. However, the non-invasive delivery of AAV for lung tissues has not been adequately established. Here, we revealed that the intratracheal administration of an appropriate amount of AAV2/8 predominantly targets lung tissue.

Direct neuronal infection of SARS-CoV-2 reveals cellular and molecular pathology of chemosensory impairment of COVID-19 patients.

Patients with recent pandemic coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) complain of neurological abnormalities in sensory functions such as smell and taste in the early stages of infection. Determining the cellular and molecular mechanism of sensory impairment is critical to understand the pathogenesis of clinical manifestations, as well as in setting therapeutic targets for sequelae and recurrence. The absence of studies utilizing proper models of human peripheral nerve hampers an understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis.

Germinal Center-Induced Immunity Is Correlated With Protection Against SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection But Not Lung Damage.

Germinal centers (GCs) elicit protective humoral immunity through a combination of antibody-secreting cells and memory B cells, following pathogen invasion or vaccination. However, the possibility of a GC response inducing protective immunity against reinfection following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remains unknown. We found GC activity was consistent with seroconversion observed in recovered macaques and humans.

Asunaprevir, a Potent Hepatitis C Virus Protease Inhibitor, Blocks SARS-CoV-2 Propagation.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has become a global health concern. Various SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been developed and are being used for vaccination worldwide. However, no therapeutic agents against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been developed so far; therefore, new therapeutic agents are urgently needed.

Demonstration of Antiviral Activity of far-UVC Microplasma Lamp Irradiation Against SARS-CoV-2.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Methods: In this study, the antiviral activity of a far-UVC (222 nm) microplasma flat lamp against SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated.

Results And Conclusions: Immediate inactivation of up to 99.

Sputum Processing Method for Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Assays to Detect Coronaviruses.

Coronavirus causes an infectious disease in various species and crosses the species barriers leading to the outbreak of zoonotic diseases. Due to the respiratory diseases are mainly caused in humans and viruses are replicated and excreted through the respiratory tract, the nasal fluid and sputum are mainly used for diagnosis. Early diagnosis of coronavirus plays an important role in preventing its spread and is essential for quarantine policies.

Dengue Virus-Polymersome Hybrid Nanovesicles for Advanced Drug Screening Using Real-Time Single Nanoparticle-Virus Tracking.

Dengue virus (DENV) is a major infectious viral pathogen that affects millions of individuals worldwide every year, causing a potentially fatal syndrome, while no commercial antiviral drugs are yet available. To develop an antiviral against dengue fever, it is necessary to understand the relationship between DENV and host cells, which could provide a basis for viral dynamics and identification of inhibitory drug targets. In this study, we designed DiD-loaded and BODIPY-ceramide-encapsulated DENV-polymersome hybrid nanovesicles (DENVSomes) prepared by an extrusion method, which trigger red fluorescence in the endosome and green in the Golgi.

Detection of antibodies against hepatitis E virus in pet veterinarians and pet dogs in South Korea.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen commonly considered an important foodborne virus. Pet dogs are important reservoirs of zoonotic agents. In the present study, the seroprevalence of HEV in pet dogs and pet veterinarians were found to be 28.

Carriage of from canine otitis externa: antimicrobial resistance profiles and virulence factors associated with skin infection.

The recent emergence of in dogs with otitis externa or skin and soft tissue infections has become a significant zoonotic issues. In the current study, we investigated 1) the carriage rates of among major staphylococci in healthy dogs and dogs with otitis externa, 2) antibiotic susceptibility profiles of particularly methicillin resistance (MR), and 3) virulence factors associated with skin and soft tissue infections such as ability to form biofilm, resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs), and carriage of staphylococcal enterotoxin genes. Among the 21 isolates, 5 isolates (24%) were determined to be methicillin-resistant (MRSS).

A pilot comparative study of recombinant protein and whole-virus inactivated vaccines against porcine circovirus type 2 in conventionally reared pigs.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) causes porcine circovirus-associated disease, which is characterized by systemic wasting syndrome, including respiratory problems worldwide. Most commercial PCV2 vaccines are derived from recombinant capsid protein or inactivated whole-virus. We compared average daily weight gain, interferon-γ, and neutralizing antibody levels of a recombinant protein vaccine and an inactivated whole-virus vaccine in a pilot study.

Identification of canine norovirus in dogs in South Korea.

Background: Canine noroviruses (CaNoVs) are classified into genogroups GIV, GVI, and GVII and have been detected in fecal samples from dogs since their first appearance in a dog with enteritis in Italy in 2007. CaNoVs may be a public health concern because pet animals are an integral part of the family and could be a potential reservoir of zoonotic agents. Nonetheless, there was no previous information concerning the epidemiology of CaNoV in South Korea.

Vaccination of goats with a combination vector expressing four antigens (BLS, PrpA, Omp19, and SOD) confers protection against infection.

is an intracellular pathogen with a cellular infection mechanism similar to that of , making it a suitable choice for use in an anti- immune boost system. This study explores the efficacy of a Typhimurium delivery-based combination vaccine for four heterologous antigens ( lumazine synthase, proline racemase subunit A, outer-membrane protein 19, and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase) targeting brucellosis in goats. We inoculated the attenuated delivery-based vaccine combination subcutaneously at two different inoculation levels; 5 × 10 colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL (Group B) and 5 × 10 CFU/mL (Group C) and challenged the inoculations with virulent at 6 weeks post-immunization.

Development of rapid immunochromatographic strip test for the detection of porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus.

Porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) causes acute and severe watery diarrhoea and dehydration, as well as 50-100 per cent mortality in piglets. For the PEDV diagnosis, a rapid test kit that is specific and sensitive to PEDV is critical to monitor this disease at pig farms. The present study aimed to develop an immunochromatographic assay (ICA) strip test for detecting PEDV in faecal swabs.

Prevalence of Antibodies Against Coxiella burnetii in Korean Native Cattle, Dairy Cattle, and Dogs in South Korea.

Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic agent and causes coxiellosis, which is a cause of reproductive failure in a range of animal species, including abortion and stillbirth and Q fever, which is most often characterized by an acute flu-like illness, mild pneumonia, and/or hepatitis in humans. While livestock are well recognized worldwide as a source of infection, the zoonotic risk of C. burnetii infection in companion animals such as dogs may be overlooked.

Attenuation of the virulence of a recombinant influenza virus expressing the naturally truncated NS gene from an H3N8 equine influenza virus in mice.

Equine influenza virus (EIV) causes a highly contagious disease in horses and other equids. Recently, we isolated an H3N8 EIV (A/equine/Kyonggi/SA1/2011) from a domestic horse in South Korea that exhibited symptoms of respiratory disease, and found that the EIV strain contained a naturally mutated NS gene segment encoding a truncated NS1 protein. In order to determine whether there was an association between the NS gene truncation and viral virulence, a reverse genetics system was applied to generate various NS gene recombinant viruses using the backbone of the H1N1 A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (PR/8) virus.