Boston University COVID researchers have mixed the omicron variant spike protein with the unique virus, testing the created pressure on mice “to help fight against future pandemics,” in line with BU.
The scientists in BU’s National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories discovered that each one mice contaminated with solely the BA.1 omicron variant had gentle circumstances and survived, whereas the mixed omicron spike protein with authentic COVID-19 virus pressure inflicted extreme illness with an 80% mortality fee.
When mice had been contaminated with simply the unique, ancestral virus pressure, 100% of the mice died.
“First, this research is not gain-of-function research, meaning it did not amplify the Washington state SARS-COV-2 virus strain (original virus from 2020) or make it more dangerous,” BU mentioned in an announcement following on-line reviews that the college referred to as “false and inaccurate.”
“In fact, this research made the virus replicate less dangerous,” the college added.
This examine gives essential insights into omicron’s capability to trigger illness, in line with the researchers.
“Consistent with studies published by others, this work shows that it is not the spike protein that drives Omicron pathogenicity, but instead other viral proteins,” mentioned lead examine creator Mohsan Saeed.
“Determination of those proteins will lead to better diagnostics and disease management strategies,” Saeed mentioned.
The analysis was reviewed and accredited by the Institutional Biosafety Committee, which consists of scientists in addition to local people members. The Boston Public Health Commission additionally accredited the analysis.
“Furthermore, this research mirrors and reinforces the findings of other, similar research performed by other organizations, including the FDA,” BU mentioned. “Ultimately, this research will provide a public benefit by leading to better, targeted therapeutic interventions to help fight against future pandemics.”
The examine didn’t embrace humanized mice.
“One potential limitation of our study is the use of K18-hACE2 mice for pathogenesis studies instead of the primate models that have more similarities with humans,” the examine reads. “It should however be noted that the K18-hACE2 mouse model is a well-established model for investigating the lethal phenotype of SARS-CoV-2.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”