Article | 2020.06.16
Aim: to use cell cultures and mouse models to analyze the role of interferons and IFITMs (interferon-induced transmembrane proteins) in the replication and pathology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Article | 2020.06.16
Aim: to use a pipeline to identify the best DVG candidates (molecules known to inhibit viral populations). The pipeline has proven effective in several virus families such as the MERS and murine (MHV) coronaviruses. The scientists propose to use the same method for SARS-CoV-2 and to test the five best DVG candidates on cell cultures. This could lead to DVGs being brought to market as an...
Article | 2020.06.16
Aim: the coronavirus replication cycle depends on several protein-protein interactions, some between viral proteins to generate functional protein complexes and others with host proteins to inhibit the innate immune response. Identifying these interactions, which are essential for viral infection, can reveal the molecular mechanisms involved in pathogenesis and identify weak points in the...
Article | 2020.06.16
Aim: controlling the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak requires both scientific knowledge and antiviral drugs. RIG-I-like receptors in the cell cytoplasm play a major role in detecting infection with RNA viruses and in initiating and modulating antiviral immunity. The aim of the project is to study the RNA ligands in the SARS-CoV-2 virus that are detected by these receptors. The project will shed light on...
Article | 2020.06.16
Aim: viral genomics is a key tool in the response to emerging disease outbreaks like that caused by SARS-CoV-2. But sequencing can be difficult because of poor quality samples or the low ratio of viral to host RNA. This technical project will implement and optimize an approach for processing clinical samples even if they are of poor quality and have a low viral load.This method has worked for...
Article | 2020.06.16
Aim: to improve understanding of the origins, natural history and dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-like coronaviruses in their natural environment. The main focus is to shed light on interspecies transmission (among bats, between bats and other animals, and between bats and humans); this is vital to mitigate the effects of future outbreaks like the devastating pandemic we are currently...
Article | 2020.06.16
Aim: to develop simple serological tools that can be used to establish three tests: an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and multiplex microsphere-based immunoassays (MIAs – capable of detecting several targets). This research will pave the way for the serological investigation of at-risk individuals such as those working at animal markets, farmers...
Article | 2020.06.16
Aims: to develop as quickly as possible:an in vitro test to detect and quantify SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies while avoiding the need to handle the virus. The test will be used to demonstrate the feasibility of vaccine candidates (proof of concept).The availability of a test of this type is crucial in searching for antibodies in samples from patients with Covid-19. These...
Article | 2020.06.16
Aim: to develop reliable rapid diagnostic tests for the infection that can be performed in a few minutes, anywhere and at any time, outside research laboratories; and serological tests to monitor the spread of the outbreak virtually in real time, helping with the implementation of mitigation measures.The idea is to generate the following unique tools as quickly as possible:recombinant SARS-...
Article | 2020.06.16
Collaborative project between the Institut Pasteur in Paris, the Institut Pasteur du Laos and the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Vietnam.Aims: - to search for other SARS-like coronaviruses in various vertebrates and arthropods.A metagenomic analysis will be carried out using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies on selected samples.- to detect past coronavirus...