Biomedical Research and Therapy

Unlocking effective transgene expression potential in gene therapy with viral vectors

2021-10-06T23:43:25+00:00

Gene therapy is an experimental approach for treating or preventing disease by using genes. Due to its promised therapeutic benefits for various diseases, this technology has drawn much interest in recent years. Despite reports of adverse events caused by gene therapies, success stories have increasingly emerged. The key to the success of gene therapy is finding a suitable DNA vector that will transport the gene into host cells, thus leading to the expression of the desired protein. An effective vector must be very efficient in delivering a gene to the target cells, non-toxic and safe to patients, inexpensive, and simple to use. This review discusses various aspects of the viral vectors currently in use in gene delivery systems and their great potential to unlock effective transgene expression in gene therapy applications based on this platform.

Significance of Sialoglycans in SARS-CoV2 Infection

2021-10-09T05:01:03+00:00

The second wave of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has hit India badly with a rapid surge of cases. One of the greatest challenges in managing infections from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the incomplete knowledge regarding the disease course, hypersensitivity, and relative resistance in a number of individuals. Recently, it has been reported that besides the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), certain sialic acids present on the cell surface may also function as potential receptors for binding the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. In this brief commentary we briefly discuss the role of sialic acids in SARS-CoV-2 infection and suggest more research investigations pertaining to this arena. This may pave the way for breakthrough solutions to combat the current pandemic more effectively by developing specific drug-targeted therapies.

Case Report on Adjunct Intravenous Autologous Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy in Severely Ill COVID-19 Patients

2021-10-17T13:40:00+00:00

In most people, COVID-19 presents as a mild disease. However, in many people, especially those with comorbidities, profound inflammation manifesting as a cytokine storm may lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ failure. This novel study reports two severe COVID-19 patients from Koja Regional Hospital: a male aged 52 and a female aged 65. Both patients had poor prognoses based on prognostic biomarkers, disseminated intravascular coagulation, nosocomial infections, and were reintubated more than once. Both patients were treated with adjunct autologous activated platelet-rich plasma — a safe and promising therapy — and were ultimately discharged. Thus, this study reports the potential of autologous activated platelet-rich plasma as supportive therapy for severe COVID-19 patients.