Category Archives: Immunology

Immunology

PureTech to Host Virtual R&D Day for Investors on December 11, 2020 – Business Wire

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PureTech Health plc (LSE: PRTC, Nasdaq: PRTC) (PureTech or the Company), a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing highly differentiated medicines for devastating diseases, will host its first R&D Day on Friday, December 11, 2020, beginning at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time. The virtual program will showcase PureTechs scientific leadership in lymphatics and related immune pathways and share insights across its Wholly Owned Pipeline, which includes LYT-100, a clinical-stage anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory product candidate being advanced for the potential treatment of interstitial lung diseases and lymphedema, and LYT-200, a product candidate targeting foundational immunomodulatory mechanisms for the potential treatment of solid tumors.

In addition to presentations by PureTechs senior team, the R&D Day will feature talks from renowned scientists and physicians, including:

PureTechs inaugural R&D Day is an opportunity to bring together field-leading experts within our expansive global network to discuss the unique therapeutic opportunities within lymphatics and related immunology, said Daphne Zohar, chief executive officer of PureTech Health. We have made great progress across our Wholly Owned Pipeline, which now includes four product candidates and three discovery platforms, and we look forward to detailing our differentiated approach towards addressing major diseases.

The agenda for PureTechs R&D Day is:

Opening Remarks

Lymphatic Science Overview

Fibrotic and Inflammatory Conditions Unmet Need and LYT-100

Immuno-Oncology Prioritizing Targets and Future Directions

Closing Remarks

A webcast of the event will be available on the Investors section of PureTechs website under Events & Presentations.

To register for PureTechs R&D Day, please sign up here.

About PureTech Health

PureTech is a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing highly differentiated medicines for devastating diseases, including intractable cancers, lymphatic and gastrointestinal diseases, central nervous system disorders and inflammatory and immunological diseases, among others. The Company has created a broad and deep pipeline through the expertise of its experienced research and development team and its extensive network of scientists, clinicians and industry leaders. This pipeline, which is being advanced both internally and through PureTechs Founded Entities, is comprised of 24 products and product candidates, including two that have received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance and European marketing authorization. All of the underlying programs and platforms that resulted in this pipeline of product candidates were initially identified or discovered and then advanced by the PureTech team through key validation points based on the Companys unique insights into the biology of the brain, immune and gut, or BIG, systems and the interface between those systems, referred to as the BIG Axis.

For more information, visit http://www.puretechhealth.com or connect with us on Twitter @puretechh.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are or may be forward-looking statements, including statements that relate to our product candidates and approach towards addressing major diseases, future prospects, developments, and strategies. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from current expectations, including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the potential therapeutic benefits of PureTechs product candidates and those risks and uncertainties described in the risk factors included in the regulatory filings for PureTech Health plc. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions regarding the present and future business strategies of the company and the environment in which it will operate in the future. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as at the date of this press release. Except as required by law and regulatory requirements, neither the company nor any other party intends to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Original post:
PureTech to Host Virtual R&D Day for Investors on December 11, 2020 - Business Wire

Immunology

Ireland ‘likely’ to return to lockdown in New Year according to immunology expert – Irish Post

A RETURN to lockdown is likely to happen again in Ireland before Covid-19 vaccinations can be effectively administered around the country.

The Covid-19 vaccine task-force is set to meet this afternoon, as Ireland enters the final day of Level Five restrictions.

They will be deciding how the approved vaccines will be rolled out nationwide once they become available.

But despite the impending vaccines, an Irish immunology expert says he believes that further restrictions, akin to Level Five, may be needed again.

Professor Paul Moynagh insists that more targeted restrictions will be necessary to prevent further waves of the virus, at least until the vaccine has been widely administered.

He expressed concern that if Covid-19 case numbers rose steeply enough once Level Five restrictions were eased, a third lockdown would be needed.

Prof Moynagh described this as a "flawed" method of controlling the virus.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly says that he expects the vaccines to be rolled out in early January next year, but immunology professor at Trinity College Luke O'Neill reckons they could be administered sooner.

"It's just a logical question once it's given the green light which is what we are waiting for," Prof O'Neill said.

"In America, they are saying their vaccination programme will begin on December 11, and it shouldn't be any different in Europe really."

The Government said on Monday that it expects Covid-19 cases around the country to rise as lockdown lifted and people mix houses over Christmas, but refused to confirm the likelihood of a third lockdown in the New Year.

Go here to read the rest:
Ireland 'likely' to return to lockdown in New Year according to immunology expert - Irish Post

Immunology

Understanding the immunology of COVID-19 – SelectScience

Watch this on-demand webinar with Dr. Petter Brodin to learn about new insights into the immune response to SARS-CoV-2

A popular SelectScience webinar that provides important new insights into the immune system responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection is now available on demand. The studies, conducted by Dr. Petter Brodin's group at Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, took a systems-level approach to analyze both the cellular and protein components involved, using methodologies including mass cytometry, flow cytometry and high-multiplex proteomics.

A longitudinal study of severe COVID-19 patients identified distinct patterns of immune cell coregulation in four different stages of the disease and demonstrated a shared trajectory of immunological recovery that may provide future biomarkers of disease progression. In an investigation of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a relatively rare complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, important differences in inflammatory response were seen between MIS-C and severe COVID-19 in adults. Moreover, while some similarities were observed between inflammatory responses in MIS-C and Kawasaki disease, important differences were also apparent, particularly in the T cell subsets involved.

Read on for highlights from the live Q&A discussion with Dr. Brodin or register to watch the full webinar on demand >>

PB: If we start with MIS-C and Kawasaki disease, then Kawasaki disease occurs in young children 2-4 years of age in the wintertime. It's a viral infection of a different kind and the thing about Kawasaki disease is that children present with a rash and sometimes heart involvement. Initially, when this MIS-C presentation started to occur, people mistook them for Kawasaki Disease. However, we've now learned that Kawasaki disease and MIS-C often involve different populations of children. MIS-C typically involves older kids, children of teenage years and often much more severe in presentation than the typical Kawasaki disease. They often have abdominal involvement with vomiting, stomach ache, and so on, which is not typical in Kawasaki disease. There are clearly clinical differences between MIS-C and Kawasaki disease.

When it comes to acute COVID and these other post-infectious conditions, they are quite distinct. Acute COVID typically begins with a respiratory infection, coughing, fever, and then, later on, might develop into a hyperinflammatory disease. At that time, during the hyperinflammatory later phases of the infection, then there can be similarities between MIS-C and acute COVID, but that is sort of in the later stages.

PB: This has been probably the most important issue to sort out since we started to learn about this new virus because what's pretty evident is that for the majority of patients and people infected with SARS-CoV-2, the infection is rather mild. A lot of people have fevers and a cough, and so on. Young children more frequently are asymptomatic, but then in all age groups, some individuals develop very severe disease. Most commonly, of course, men more than women, and older people more than young people. There is a very big variation in presentation with patients with COVID-19.

We've learned quite a bit over these past 10 months, with 30,000 papers published. There has been an extraordinary development in understanding both the virus, but also the immune response to the virus. We know now that men suffer often more severe disease than women when it comes to acute COVID, are more likely to end up in intensive care units and more likely to die. We think that this is related to differences in the immune system between men and women because the infection rate, the likelihood of being infected, is not different in men and women, as far as we know.

What are those immune system differences? There have been a couple of reports, and we know from other people's work that, for example, vaccine responses differ between men and women. We also know that many autoimmune diseases, particularly diseases such as lupus, which involves interferon responses, are much more prominent in women than in men, more common in women than in men. A lot of evidence points towards differences in men and women with respect to innate, initial antiviral immune responses, both before COVID-19 but also now.

I think that is probably the best determinant we have to date, to explain the differences in COVID-19 severity. It has to do with the ability to mount a robust early immune response to the virus, involving type 1 interferons but also other factors probably.

PB: I think that relates to the MIS-C work, which was done in children. The question implies that there are genetic differences when it comes to the likelihood of getting the infection. That particular question we have not studied. It's very difficult to study whether people are resistant to a particular virus. Those people are very difficult to find. We are looking into genetic host factors that would explain both why some children develop MIS-C, while most children obviously don't, and also those factors, genetics and other things, that might determine why an individual develops severe COVID versus a milder COVID. There has been some progress made in that area by researchers such as Jean-Laurent Casanovas Lab at the Rockefeller Institute, Helen Su at the NIH, leading a large consortium called Human Genetic Effort. Their patients with rare immunodeficiencies involving viral sensing and interferon responses have been reported and those are individuals that are very rare, but they presented with life-threatening COVID-19. That's related in general to the infection, not specifically children.

PB: My guess is that it might involve prior coronaviruses, but that remains to be determined. I believe, and I think quite a few people believe, that the coronaviruses are so abundant that not only children would carry immunity to such viruses but probably also quite a few adults. Therefore, it does not entirely, in my opinion, explain why children are so able to manage this infection without severe disease in general. I think probably this points more to differences in the immune system. If you think about it from an evolutionary point of view, or life history point of view, children are experts at responding to new pathogens because the younger a child is, the less experience that child would have, and the more able the child must be to respond to a new infection. While adult people, and especially older people, they can get by quite well by relying on their memory responses of prior exposures. Typically, older people might be less equipped to respond to new pathogens. This can be explained by many different factors, the lower number of naive cells in the adaptive immune system, thymic involution, and then lack of production of naive T cells, and so on. I think there are many different pieces to this puzzle, and we only know a little bit of that at the moment.

Q: What do you see are the biggest advantages of combining the two platforms used in your studies?

PB: Sometimes people say that immune responses don't occur in the blood, and so there's no point in looking in the blood. Instead, all the relevant responses occur in tissues. Obviously, it's true that the blood is not the main siteof immune activity; it is definitely tissue, specific responses that we cannot see in the blood. Given the fact that we can sample the blood so easily and we can collect non-determinable samples, there is real potential in detecting important signals in the blood, even if the immune response is actually going on primarily in a distal tissue, like the lung.What do we do to study the blood in the best possible way? My group has reasoned that by looking at the various components of blood and the immune cells and proteins that make up the blood immune system, and the circulating immune system, and doing that in the most comprehensive way that we can, we believe this gives us a very strong potential, sort of an ability to actually look at the immune response in younger children, or over time in a patient. This combination of technologies, the Olink platform for plasma protein measurements which gives very reproducible signals with very low background signal, and then the mass cytometry assay, which gives us very broad coverage of the immune cell components, we think it's a very strong combination of features.

Watch this on-demand webinar to find out more in-depth insights about the immune responses of COVID-19>>

Read more:
Understanding the immunology of COVID-19 - SelectScience

Immunology

Life Science Ontario Announces Recipients of the 2021 LSO Awards – Business Wire

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LSO today announced the recipients of its 2021 LSO Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals and companies contributing to the success of Ontarios life sciences sector. The awards will be presented during LSOs Celebration of Success Awards in February 2021.

The 2021 awardees are as follows:

The LSO Awards are an important part of the organizations mandate to advocate for Ontarios life sciences sector, by celebrating the individuals and companies behind its success.

2020 has been a difficult year for everyone; but COVID-19 has also highlighted the amazing contributions of the life sciences sector to solving some of societies largest challenges, said LSO President and CEO Dr. Jason Field. LSOs awards recognize these contributions annually and this years award recipients represent the many diverse ways our sector impacts the everyday lives of Canadians and the world in which we live through science, innovation and leadership.

To explore sponsorship opportunities, contact: admin@lifesciencesontario.ca

Biographies

Michael Julius, Former Vice President, Research at Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreLifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Michael Julius is past Vice President, Research at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (2000-2020). He created an international hub for life sciences dedicated to both discovery and commercialization. This initiative achieved a functional integration of researchers, clinicians, business and patients towards moving discoveries through the marketplace and into the clinic. He shepherded growth to a $125M annual research enterprise which spun off 15 companies over his tenure. Michael is currently partnering in the launch of a life sciences capital management fund.

Ahead of taking on his leadership position at Sunnybrook, Michael Chaired the Department of Immunology at the University of Toronto (1994-2000). He has Chaired both the Canadian Institutes for Health Research review panel for Immunology and Transplantation and Research Canada, an advocacy corporation dedicated to ensuring that the federal government supports and funds the priority of health research in Canada. He serves as a member of Scientific Advisory Boards for a number of companies and has Chaired two of Sunnybrooks spin-off companies.

Michael completed his undergraduate degree in genetics at McGill University and his doctoral work in genetics and immunology at Stanford University. Michael was recruited to the Basel Institute for Immunology supported by Hoffman La Roche, where he remained for the 13 years.

Having published over 200 research papers and reviews in his area of expertise, many of which have achieved citation records, Michael has in-depth knowledge of multiple therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, cancer, cardiovascular and immune system; and expertise across multiple platforms, including high content cellular analyses, AI, health informatics, and imaging-guided interventions and therapeutics.

Eugenia Duodu, CEO, Visions of Science Network for LearningCommunity Service Award

Eugenia Duodu is the CEO of Visions of Science Network for Learning (www.vosnl.org), a charitable organization that empowers youth from low-income communities through meaningful engagement in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). She is an educator, speaker, community organizer and advocate who is passionate about creating equitable opportunities for youth to achieve their full potential. Eugenia Duodu holds both an honours bachelor degree in Chemistry and Biology and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Toronto.

Anne Woods, Managing Director of Life Sciences and Healthcare, Silicon Valley BankVolunteer Award

Anne Woods is the managing director of the Life Science and Healthcare practice for Silicon Valley Bank in Toronto where she is responsible for leading the banks efforts in this sector across Canada.

Anne has close to 25 years experience in capital markets and life sciences. She began her career as a financial analyst and in 2005, went back to her roots in life sciences. Prior to joining SVB, Anne spent several years as a director with The Pangaea Group bringing insights and strategic direction to life science and healthcare clients.

In 2018, Anne joined the board of Life Sciences Ontario. She holds a BSc from McGill University, a MA from the University of Guelph and is a CFA Charterholder.

VIVE Crop Protection Inc.Life Sciences Company of the Year

Vive Crop Protection creates Precision Chemistry to expand the horizons of Precision Agriculture. Vive products are built on the patented Allosperse Delivery System, which greatly improves the targeting and performance of chemical and biological active ingredients, helping growers achieve real results. Vive Crop Protection commercially launched in 2016 and currently has five unique products available in the US market, with two more awaiting US EPA registration and one awaiting Canadian PMRA registration.

Vive anticipates launching the first-ever combination chemical/biological fungicide product in spring 2021 to US sugarbeet and corn growers. Its head office is in Mississauga and employs nearly 30 chemists, biologists and other professionals.

John Kelly, Deputy Minister, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural AffairsLSO Leadership Award

Dr. John Kelly currently serves as Deputy Minister for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. He was recently Chief Innovation Officer for Bioenterprise Corporation. Dr. Kelly has an extensive background working with entrepreneurs and innovation in human health and life sciences, agriculture, food and bio-economy sectors in domestic and international markets, with focus on innovation development and implementation, actively advancing products and technologies. An extensive publisher, he has authored hundreds of research and extension publications throughout his career, attracted several million dollars in investment and been a serial entrepreneur and investor. He has a wealth of experience in the private and public sector and has held various executive positions with start-ups, venture capital, multinational companies and not-for-profits, including KeliRo Company Inc., Bioenterprise Capital, DNAstack, KiKi Maple Water, Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, MaRS Landing, Land OLakes, Rhone-Poulenc Canada Inc. and Aventis CropSciences Inc. He has also served on numerous Board of Director appointments including with Life Sciences Ontario, Canada Foundation for Innovation, Ontario Genomics, Ontario Hazelnut Association, Ontario Lavender Association and others. Dr. Kelly holds a B.Sc. (Agr). and Ph.D. from the University of Guelph and a Master of Science from the University of Alberta. He has also held Adjunct Professorships in the Department of Animal Biosciences and the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph.

ABOUT LIFE SCIENCES ONTARIO (LSO)

Life Sciences Ontario (LSO) is a member-funded, not-for-profit organization with a legacy of more than 30 years advancing the success of Ontarios life sciences sector. LSO collaborates with government, academia, industry, and other life sciences organizations in Ontario and across Canada to promote and encourage commercial success throughout the sector. The organization provides a wide range of networking and educational events and operates a mentorship program that is helping to develop highly skilled talent and build new business opportunities for the life sciences sector. In addition, LSO launched the Life Sciences Ontario Scholarship Program, the program awards students financial benefits and an opportunity to connect with a professional from the life sciences sector. LSO is an effective conduit for delivering policy options to governments, and its dedicated to promoting Ontarios life sciences sector internationally. For more information, please visit https://lifesciencesontario.ca.

Continue reading here:
Life Science Ontario Announces Recipients of the 2021 LSO Awards - Business Wire

Immunology

The Cat Allergy market to grow incomparably in the next decade – The Market Feed

Cat is considered as beloved pet and a common source of allergens. Cat allergens are allergic to human and are generally found in cat saliva and are identified as glycoproteins. Most common allergen (glycoprotein) secreted by cat includes Fel d 1 (secreted by sebaceous gland) and Fel d 4 (secreted from cat saliva). Most common symptoms of allergic reaction to cat includes watering eyes, sneezing, chapped lips, wheezing, chest tightening, nasal congestion and itching. National Institute of Health stated that people with chronic respiratory disease (asthma, COPD, CFTR) are at a high risk for developing cat allergy. Cat allergies can be diagnosed by skin-prick tests, blood tests and patients medical history. Treatment options available for cat allergy includes antihistamine and decongestants medication. Sometimes synthetic epitope vaccine is considered an ultimate choice to treat cat allergy for long term relief.

For more insights into the Market, request a sample of this report @https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/21235

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, stated that allergies to cats occur in approximately 15% of the American population yearly. It has also stated, in 2014, that an estimated 14 percent of children between the age of 6 years and 19 years of age are allergic to cats. Moreover, in 2014, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, published that 33% of the U.S. households own at least one cat at home.

As mentioned above, people with chronic respiratory disease are at high risk for developing cat allergy. Thus, with rising chronic respiratory disease patient the global market for cat allergy treatment is also experiencing a significant growth worldwide. As an instance, emphysema (COPD) and asthma are considered as a major factor that can cause cat allergy among the global population at a significant rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2012, North America accounted for the highest number of COPD cases in the world. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, estimated in 2012 that, more than 100 million people would suffer from asthma across the world by 2025. Thus, rising prevalence of respiratory disorders would accentuate the global market demand of cat allergy treatment.

For Information On The Research Methodology request here @https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/21235

North America and Europe was observed to be the largest cat allergy treatment market due to high prevalence rate of cat allergy reported in these regions. Moreover, technological improvement in diagnostic test and strong demand of diagnostic test would also account for the market growth in these regions. In addition, favorable initiatives taken by federal government also accounted for cat allergy treatment market growth in North American and European region. Similarly, Asia-Pacific is considered as an untapped market due to lack of proper diagnostic facilities in some Asian countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan). Asian market growth will be fuelled by the presence of untapped opportunities due to extensive increase in healthcare infrastructure. Similarly, Asia-Pacific is considered as an emerging market due to growing market penetration in this region. Rest of the world (RoW) holds fourth position in the global cat allergy treatment market due to poor economic and health condition in most of the African countries.

To receive extensive list of important regions, Request TOC here @https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/21235

Major market players involved in manufacturing the therapeutic treatment product of cat allergy and contributing the global market share includes Glaxo SmithKline plc, Bristol Meyers Squibb, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacia Upjohn Co., and Merck & Co. among others.

Explore Extensive Coverage of PMR`sLife Sciences & Transformational HealthLandscape

Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics andmarket research methodologyto help businesses achieve optimal performance.

To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.

Our client success stories feature a range of clients from Fortune 500 companies to fast-growing startups. PMRs collaborative environment is committed to building industry-specific solutions by transforming data from multiple streams into a strategic asset.

Contact us:

Naved BegPersistence Market ResearchAddress 305 Broadway, 7th Floor New York City,NY 10007 United StatesU.S. Ph. +1-646-568-7751USA-Canada Toll-free +1 800-961-0353Sales[emailprotected]Websitehttps://www.persistencemarketresearch.com

See the original post:
The Cat Allergy market to grow incomparably in the next decade - The Market Feed

Immunology

No evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause more severe disease; antibody-dependent enhancement has not been observed in clinical trials – Health…

CLAIM

COVID-19 vaccines will cause more severe disease through antibody-dependent enhancement

DETAILS

Unsupported: Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) is theoretically a possible side effect of a COVID-19 vaccine. However, clinical trials so far have not shown ADE occurring in vaccinated participants.Inaccurate: Some posts inaccurately suggest that non-neutralizing antibodies are irrelevant to protection. Although non-neutralizing antibodies can result in ADE, such antibodies can also participate in a process called antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, which kills infected cells and is an important part of a protective immune response.

KEY TAKE AWAY

Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) occurs when antibodies are unable to neutralize a virus infectivity, but instead enhance a virus ability to infect cells. Although ADE has been observed in humans who received the dengue vaccine, as well as in individuals that received a vaccine candidate for the respiratory syncytial virus, the evidence from COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials so far have not shown more severe disease occurring in vaccinated participants. People who have been given the COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be closely monitored to determine whether ADE occurs.

SUMMARY A Facebook post claiming that the COVID-19 vaccine will lead to more severe disease, was published in November 2020 and went viral on the social media platform. Similar claims have also been published in other social media posts, like this one and this one. The claim is based on the observation of more severe disease occurring in individuals who received a dengue vaccine and a vaccine candidate for the respiratory syncytial virus. Both are likely due to a phenomenon known as antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), however ADE has not been shown to occur in individuals that received COVID-19 vaccines to date. One of the authors of these posts previously claimed to be a toxicologist, despite lacking the necessary training and credentials for that title.

Health Feedback reached out to experts to find out how ADE works and whether the claim is supported by scientific evidence [See scientists feedback in full].

Angeline Rouers, a research fellow at the Singapore Immunology Network, explained, ADE is a well-known mechanism which was described for the first time in dengue patients. It occurs when antibodies do not neutralize the virus to prevent its entry into the target cells, for example, but instead facilitate the infection of other cells, such as macrophages (a type of immune cell). However, Rouers added that there is no clear evidence showing that the virus which causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, can infect macrophages.

Walter Orenstein, a professor at Emory Universitys School of Medicine and associate director of the Emory Vaccine Center, said, Vaccine-enhanced disease is theoretically possible with SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, but it has not been seen as of yet in the clinical trials reported.

Sanjay Mishra, a staff scientist and project coordinator at Vanderbilt University Medical Center who is also working in the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium, concurred. The major vaccine candidates that have so far progressed in the large-scale Phase 3 trials, such as the ones by Moderna, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca, have all ruled out any serious safety concerns, he said.

Overall, all three scientists agreed that close monitoring of vaccinated people is important to ensure that ADE can be safely ruled out as a side effect of COVID-19 vaccines, but for the moment, the evidence has not shown the vaccines to have such an effect.

Indeed, preliminary findings released by frontrunners Moderna, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca have shown that among the trial participants who did develop COVID-19, those who received the vaccine did not show higher rates of severe disease compared to those who received the placebo. The vaccines were also able to prevent COVID-19 at a high efficacy. However, an important caveat of these findings is that these trials are still underway, and the number of people included in these interim analyses is relatively small.

Apart from the posts unsupported claim linking ADE with COVID-19 vaccines, its suggestion that non-neutralizing antibodies are always ineffective for protection is inaccurate. The immune system has several ways to deal with viruses, and Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, which can involve non-neutralizing antibodies, is another mechanism that is distinct from neutralization, that is also important for a protective immune response, Rouers pointed out.

And contradicting Everlys claim that no one is concerned about it, Health Feedback was able to find multiple articles published over the course of 2020 that discussed concerns about ADE with respect to the COVID-19 vaccine. Some examples are this article in The Scientist, this article in PNAS and these two articles in Nature[1,2], the latter two being highly respected journals in the scientific community.

Overall, while ADE is a theoretical possibility with a COVID-19 vaccine, clinical trials in people so far have not shown that participants who received the vaccine have a higher rate of severe illness compared to participants who did not receive the vaccine. Given the paramount importance of vaccine safety, scientists continue to encourage rigorous safety monitoring so as to completely rule out ADE as a potential side effect. SCIENTISTS FEEDBACK Sanjay Mishra, Staff Scientist, Vanderbilt University Medical Center:Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of virus infection[3] is a phenomenon in which virus-specific antibodies enhance the entry of a virus and in some cases, ADE can even facilitate the infection[4]. ADE has been well-established in dengue[5] and Zika viruses, and any poor-quality antibodies that bind the virus but do not neutralize can cause ADE. Indeed, some vaccine candidates, such as one against the respiratory syncytial virus resulted in deaths due to ADE[6]. However, no definitive role for ADE in human coronavirus diseases has yet been established, despite the concerns raised[7,8].

The opinion piece being cited in the viral Facebook post itself concluded that the risk of ADE remains theoretical in vaccines being developed against SARS-CoV-2. The major vaccine candidates that have so far progressed in the large-scale Phase 3 trials, such as the ones by Moderna, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca, have all ruled out any serious safety concerns. While more data is still needed, randomized controlled trial with convalescent sera has also shown to be beneficial in COVID-19 patients with moderate disease severity[9]. Just like other things related to this pandemic, we should wait and watch for better evidence to completely rule out ADE, but no evidence for ADE has been found so far.

Angline Rouers, Research Fellow, Singapore Immunology Network:ADE is a well-known mechanism which was described for the first time in dengue patients. It occurs when antibodies do not neutralize the virus (to prevent its entry into the target cells, for example) but instead facilitate the infection of other cells, such as macrophages. It might also happen with coronaviruses but for the moment, there is only in vitro demonstration of this with regards to SARS-CoV-2. The mechanisms in vivo might be different and there is also no clear evidence showing that SARS-CoV-2 can infect macrophages.

As a note, it is false to say that non-neutralizing antibodies are inevitably non-efficient and potentially dangerous, as suggested in the Facebook post. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, which can involve non-neutralizing antibodies, is another mechanism that is distinct from neutralization that is also important for a protective immune response.

This claim is particularly alarming for the public and unnecessarily invokes a conspiracy theory: Most people dont know this. Most people have never heard of this. Maybe the big media networks dont find this important to share with the public, or maybe its just plain censorship. Its probably censorship. In fact, ADE is an immune response that is well-known to scientists and is described in immunology textbooks. ADE has to be assessed from the earliest stage of vaccine development. There is nothing hidden from the publicif ADE is detected during vaccine development, it will simply stop the trials. We can never be 100% sure it will not happen in some way at a later stage of clinical trials, but in the whole history of vaccines, this phenomenon is very rare.

The post also mentions that (a) antibodies might not be the most protective aspect in the context of SARS-CoV-2 and (b) there is a positive correlation between severity and level of antibodies in the patients. These claims are true but require more context to avoid readers misunderstanding. (a) Cytotoxic T cells have indeed been shown to be very important to fight the virus, however, antibodies are also doing part of the job and should not be neglected. (b) The level of antibodies is not necessarily predictive of their efficiency. Indeed, a high level (quantity) of antibodies might not be protective, and can even make things worse in the case of ADE. But a high level of efficient (i.e. neutralizing) antibodies is generally a good prognosis.

Overall, it is very important to keep in mind the difference between what is observed in the patients and what a vaccine aims to do. A vaccine does not aim to reproduce the immune response observed in an infected patient; on the contrary, it aims to elicit a neutralizing antibody response to fight the virusthis is something that is rarely observed in severely ill patients.

ADE is a concern that scientists have in mind and will assess carefully. Some vaccine candidates may have led to ADE at the early stages of trials, which halted their development. This demonstrates that the scientific community is careful and will do everything possible to release a safe vaccine for people. In conclusion, ADE is a theoretical danger in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development, but it is taken seriously into consideration and very close monitoring will be applied.

Walter A. Orenstein, Professor, Emory University School of Medicine:Thus far, there are no data supporting vaccination as a cause of vaccine-induced enhanced disease. Such enhancement has been seen with other vaccines such as the dengue vaccine. But for the vast majority of vaccines in use today around the world, such enhancement has not been seen.

There were concerns seen in animal studies with earlier coronavirus vaccines for SARS-CoV-1 and MERS. But not in human studies to date.

Vaccine-enhanced disease is theoretically possible with SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, but it has not been seen as of yet in the clinical trials reported. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2 is killing more than 1000 people a day in the US alone.

It will be important to monitor to see if enhanced disease happens. But there is no evidence for it in humans to date. In contrast, there is good information on efficacy.

Read the original:
No evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause more severe disease; antibody-dependent enhancement has not been observed in clinical trials - Health...

Immunology

Creative BioMart Supports Immunology Study with a Wide Selection of Adaptive Immunity Proteins – PharmiWeb.com

Creative BioMart, a leading supplier that focuses on developing high quality protein products and efficient protein manufacturing techniques, provides a wide selection of adaptive immunity proteinsto support needs in immunology studies.

Immunology is a broad branch of biomedical science that covers the study of various aspects of the immune system of all organisms. It involves the physiological functions of the immune system in health and disease states; abnormal functions of the immune system (autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivity, immunodeficiency, transplant rejection); and physical, chemical, and physiological properties of various components of the immune system in vitro, in situ, and in vivo. Immunology has applications in several disciplines of science and is therefore further subdivided.

The adaptive or specific immune system mainly attacks specific invaders. It consists of highly specialized cells known as thymus-derived T lymphocytes and bone marrow-derived B lymphocytes. These cells are able to recognize different foreign antigens in a very precise manner and have the ability to generate immune memory, thus enabling them to recognize previously encountered pathogens. There are two types of adaptive immunity: humoral immunity and cellular immunity. Antibody molecules secreted by B lymphocytes can neutralize extracellular pathogens and mediate humoral immunity, while T lymphocytes can clear infected cells and help other immune responses, thereby mediating cellular immunity.

Based on the information on Creative BioMart, adaptive immunity proteins products mainly include: adaptive immunity proteins, B cell proteins, costimulation & costimulatory molecule proteins, major histocompatibility complex proteins, regulatory T cells proteins, T cell proteins, etc.

Besides adaptive immunity proteins, Creative BioMart also provides immune system disease proteins, innate immunity proteins, cluster of differentiation proteins, cytokines and growth factors proteins, inflammation/inflammatory mediator, and signal transduction proteins to help with its customers scientific research in the aim of improving peoples life through life technology.

To view the whole list of adaptive immunity proteins offered by Creative BioMart, please visit https://www.creativebiomart.net/researcharea-adaptive-immunity-proteins_78.htm.

About Creative BioMart

Starting from a small supplier of proteins and enzymes for academic institutes and biotech companies, Creative BioMart has always been focusing on developing high quality protein products like recombinant proteins, native proteins, GMP proteins, etc. and efficient protein manufacturing services including protein expression, protein labeling, protein interaction etc.

Read more here:
Creative BioMart Supports Immunology Study with a Wide Selection of Adaptive Immunity Proteins - PharmiWeb.com

Immunology

‘The light is on at the end of the tunnel’: Immunology doctor on COVID-19 vaccine – 10TV

Gov. DeWine said Ohio should receive its first batch of COVID-19 vaccines in mid-December.

COLUMBUS, Ohio After eight months of a pandemic and a solid month-and-a-half of hearing about a possible vaccine, Gov. Mike DeWine announced a date on Tuesday.

Looks like around Dec. 15 we will get our first batch, he said. We are very excited about that. We are in the process of planning how that will get out," DeWine said.

DeWine says the first batch, assuming its approved, will be from Pfizer. The second batch will come from Moderna a week later. The vaccine will take two shots about three-to-four weeks apart.

The good news is the light is on at the end of the tunnel, Dr. Frederic Bertley said.

Bertley is the president and CEO at COSI and has a Ph. D. in Immunology. He studies how viruses make us sick and vaccine development.

Never in the history of vaccine development have we put so many scientists and spent so much money to try to develop this, he said.

Bertley says what makes the coronavirus vaccine so impressive is the collaboration locally, nationally and internationally.

He also points out that scientists werent starting from scratch, being able to look at other respiratory viruses as pre-cursor candidates helping to develop these vaccines.

And FDA approved clinical trials that are usually separated into three phases were blended, which expedited the vaccine.

Dr. Bertley understands some people might be hesitant for this vaccine, but he says when it hits the market it will be safe.

Would you feel safe taking [the vaccine] once it comes out, 10TV's Bryant Somerville asked.

Man, Im first in line, Bertley said

Dr. Bertley also wants people to know the FDA assembles experts from around the country to carefully examine the data from companies like Pfizer and Moderna, study it and make a decision to release it.

People who are worried about government pressure and Oh, theyre just going to approve it to fast-track for political reasons, these are men and women like me and you that have nothing to do with the FDA[they do not] work for the government, but are experts in this area that are going to say yay or nay, he said.

The states distribution plan is expected to put a high priority on first responders like healthcare workers and nursing home residents and those considered high-risk for COVID-19.

With limited vaccine amounts available at first, Dr. Bertley says it could be next summer before its available to the general public.

However, he says the fact three months ago there was no timetable for a vaccine and now one is expected in the next three weeks is something to be proud of.

More than ever, this should make society wake up and say You know what science is really cool, he said.

Even though Bertley says the vaccine will be safe, he says its just like anything and there could be adverse effects for some people. However, he says it could be a year or so before any possible long-term side effects are known.

See more here:
'The light is on at the end of the tunnel': Immunology doctor on COVID-19 vaccine - 10TV

Immunology

Life Science Ontario Announces Recipients of the 2021 LSO Awards – BioSpace

The 2021 awardees are as follows:

The LSO Awards are an important part of the organizations mandate to advocate for Ontarios life sciences sector, by celebrating the individuals and companies behind its success.

2020 has been a difficult year for everyone; but COVID-19 has also highlighted the amazing contributions of the life sciences sector to solving some of societies largest challenges, said LSO President and CEO Dr. Jason Field. LSOs awards recognize these contributions annually and this years award recipients represent the many diverse ways our sector impacts the everyday lives of Canadians and the world in which we live through science, innovation and leadership.

To explore sponsorship opportunities, contact: admin@lifesciencesontario.ca

Biographies

Michael Julius, Former Vice President, Research at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Michael Julius is past Vice President, Research at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (2000-2020). He created an international hub for life sciences dedicated to both discovery and commercialization. This initiative achieved a functional integration of researchers, clinicians, business and patients towards moving discoveries through the marketplace and into the clinic. He shepherded growth to a $125M annual research enterprise which spun off 15 companies over his tenure. Michael is currently partnering in the launch of a life sciences capital management fund.

Ahead of taking on his leadership position at Sunnybrook, Michael Chaired the Department of Immunology at the University of Toronto (1994-2000). He has Chaired both the Canadian Institutes for Health Research review panel for Immunology and Transplantation and Research Canada, an advocacy corporation dedicated to ensuring that the federal government supports and funds the priority of health research in Canada. He serves as a member of Scientific Advisory Boards for a number of companies and has Chaired two of Sunnybrooks spin-off companies.

Michael completed his undergraduate degree in genetics at McGill University and his doctoral work in genetics and immunology at Stanford University. Michael was recruited to the Basel Institute for Immunology supported by Hoffman La Roche, where he remained for the 13 years.

Having published over 200 research papers and reviews in his area of expertise, many of which have achieved citation records, Michael has in-depth knowledge of multiple therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, cancer, cardiovascular and immune system; and expertise across multiple platforms, including high content cellular analyses, AI, health informatics, and imaging-guided interventions and therapeutics.

Eugenia Duodu, CEO, Visions of Science Network for Learning Community Service Award

Eugenia Duodu is the CEO of Visions of Science Network for Learning (www.vosnl.org), a charitable organization that empowers youth from low-income communities through meaningful engagement in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). She is an educator, speaker, community organizer and advocate who is passionate about creating equitable opportunities for youth to achieve their full potential. Eugenia Duodu holds both an honours bachelor degree in Chemistry and Biology and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Toronto.

Anne Woods, Managing Director of Life Sciences and Healthcare, Silicon Valley Bank Volunteer Award

Anne Woods is the managing director of the Life Science and Healthcare practice for Silicon Valley Bank in Toronto where she is responsible for leading the banks efforts in this sector across Canada.

Anne has close to 25 years experience in capital markets and life sciences. She began her career as a financial analyst and in 2005, went back to her roots in life sciences. Prior to joining SVB, Anne spent several years as a director with The Pangaea Group bringing insights and strategic direction to life science and healthcare clients.

In 2018, Anne joined the board of Life Sciences Ontario. She holds a BSc from McGill University, a MA from the University of Guelph and is a CFA Charterholder.

VIVE Crop Protection Inc.Life Sciences Company of the Year

Vive Crop Protection creates Precision Chemistry to expand the horizons of Precision Agriculture. Vive products are built on the patented Allosperse Delivery System, which greatly improves the targeting and performance of chemical and biological active ingredients, helping growers achieve real results. Vive Crop Protection commercially launched in 2016 and currently has five unique products available in the US market, with two more awaiting US EPA registration and one awaiting Canadian PMRA registration.

Vive anticipates launching the first-ever combination chemical/biological fungicide product in spring 2021 to US sugarbeet and corn growers. Its head office is in Mississauga and employs nearly 30 chemists, biologists and other professionals.

John Kelly, Deputy Minister, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs LSO Leadership Award

Dr. John Kelly currently serves as Deputy Minister for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. He was recently Chief Innovation Officer for Bioenterprise Corporation. Dr. Kelly has an extensive background working with entrepreneurs and innovation in human health and life sciences, agriculture, food and bio-economy sectors in domestic and international markets, with focus on innovation development and implementation, actively advancing products and technologies. An extensive publisher, he has authored hundreds of research and extension publications throughout his career, attracted several million dollars in investment and been a serial entrepreneur and investor. He has a wealth of experience in the private and public sector and has held various executive positions with start-ups, venture capital, multinational companies and not-for-profits, including KeliRo Company Inc., Bioenterprise Capital, DNAstack, KiKi Maple Water, Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, MaRS Landing, Land OLakes, Rhone-Poulenc Canada Inc. and Aventis CropSciences Inc. He has also served on numerous Board of Director appointments including with Life Sciences Ontario, Canada Foundation for Innovation, Ontario Genomics, Ontario Hazelnut Association, Ontario Lavender Association and others. Dr. Kelly holds a B.Sc. (Agr). and Ph.D. from the University of Guelph and a Master of Science from the University of Alberta. He has also held Adjunct Professorships in the Department of Animal Biosciences and the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph.

ABOUT LIFE SCIENCES ONTARIO (LSO)

Life Sciences Ontario (LSO) is a member-funded, not-for-profit organization with a legacy of more than 30 years advancing the success of Ontarios life sciences sector. LSO collaborates with government, academia, industry, and other life sciences organizations in Ontario and across Canada to promote and encourage commercial success throughout the sector. The organization provides a wide range of networking and educational events and operates a mentorship program that is helping to develop highly skilled talent and build new business opportunities for the life sciences sector. In addition, LSO launched the Life Sciences Ontario Scholarship Program, the program awards students financial benefits and an opportunity to connect with a professional from the life sciences sector. LSO is an effective conduit for delivering policy options to governments, and its dedicated to promoting Ontarios life sciences sector internationally. For more information, please visit https://lifesciencesontario.ca.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201123006109/en/

Original post:
Life Science Ontario Announces Recipients of the 2021 LSO Awards - BioSpace

Immunology

Using a Cancer Therapy Platform as a Potential COVID-19 Vaccine – Contagionlive.com

OncoSec recently received an FDA IND clearance to begin a phase 1 trial.

Biotech company OncoSec has secured an IND clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin a phase 1 trial to study their CORVax12 vaccine. This is the first DNA vaccine candidate for COVID-19 to deliver the spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 and the immune-activating cytokine interleukin 12 (IL-12).

The vaccine combines OncoSecs immuno-stimulant IL-12 expression platform, TAVO (tavokinogene telseplasmid), with NIHs DNA-encodable stabilized trimeric SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein to treat COVID-19.

The CORVax vaccine is designed to drive a coordinated long-term anti-viral response, capable of activating both cellular and humoral immune responses. The companys TAVO IL-12 expression platform stimulates immunity in immunocompromised cancer settings and could be particularly relevant for patients at highest risk from COVID-19.

The Providence Cancer Center in Oregon is collaborating with OncoSec, and the former will be a trial site. BernardFox, PhD, chief, Laboratory of Molecular and Tumor Immunology, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute at Providence Portland Medical Center is the principal investigator for the trial.

I think one of the advantages we bring to the trial from a cancer perspective is we are used to doing sophisticated immunological monitoring, and we have standards in place that have been broadly accepted, Fox stated.

Fox spoke to Contagion recently about the vaccines platform, how adding IL-12 can potentially help augment responses in older patients, the trials parameters and insights on long-term immunity.

Read the rest here:
Using a Cancer Therapy Platform as a Potential COVID-19 Vaccine - Contagionlive.com