Latest Research on COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)

As the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spreads globally, we keep tracking the latest scientific findings and knowledge on the coronavirus and disease (COVID-19). We update this article regularly by searching contents of relevant journals and websites.

Research advance| March 09 

Structure, Function, and Antigenicity ofthe SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein

Cell published the latest research of cryo-EM structures of the SARS-CoV-2 S ectodomain trimer, providing a blueprint for the design of vaccines and inhibitors of viral entry. Researchers also demonstrate that SARS-CoV S murine polyclonal antibodies potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 S mediated entry into cells, indicating that cross-neutralizing antibodies targeting conserved S epitopes can be elicited upon vaccination... Learn more

Research advance| March 06

The effect of travel restrictions on thespread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

Researchers use a global metapopulation disease transmission model to project the impact of travel limitations on the national and international spread of the epidemic. The model is calibrated based on internationally reported cases. The travel quarantine of Wuhan delayed the overall epidemic progression by only 3 to 5 days in Mainland China, but has a more marked effect at the international scale, where case importations were reduced by nearly 80% until mid February. Modeling results also indicate that sustained 90% travel restrictions to and from Mainland China only modestly affect the epidemic trajectory unless combined with a 50% or higher reduction of transmission in the community... Learn more

Research advance| March 04

Structural basis for the recognition of theSARS-CoV-2 by full-length human ACE2

Researchers reported the cryo-EM structure of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the cellular receptor for SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that is causing the serious epidemic COVID-19. This insight into how the virus binds human cells could provide a basis for the development of therapeutics... Learn more

Research advance| March 04

SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry Depends on ACE2 and TMPRSS2 and Is Blocked by a Clinically Proven Protease Inhibitor

Researchers demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 uses the SARS-CoV receptor ACE2 for entry and the serine protease TMPRSS2 for S protein priming. A TMPRSS2 inhibitor approved for clinical use blocked entry and might constitute a treatment option. And they show that the sera from convalescent SARS patients cross-neutralized SARS-2-S-driven entry. The result reveal important commonalities between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV infection and identify a potential target for antiviral intervention... Learn more

Research advance| March 04

The species severe acute respiratory syndrome - related coronavirus: classifying 2019-nCoV and naming it SARS-CoV-2

The Coronaviridae Study Group (CSG) of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, which is responsible for developing the classification of viruses and taxon nomenclature of the family Coronaviridae, has assessed the placement of the human pathogen, tentatively named 2019-nCoV, within the Coronaviridae. Based on phylogeny, taxonomy and established practice, the CSG recognizes this virus as forming a sister clade to the prototype human and bat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoVs) of the species Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, and designates it as SARS-CoV-2. Learn more

Research advance| March 03

On the origin and continuing evolution of SARS-CoV-2

According to a paper published by Chinese researchers on 03 March 2020, the population genetic analyses of 103 SARS-CoV-2 genomes indicated that these viruses have evolved into two major types (L and S). L type is more prevalent and aggressive than the S type. Some patient may have been infected by both types. These findings strongly support an urgent need for further immediate, comprehensive studies that combine genomic data, epidemiological data, and chart records of the clinical symptoms of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Learn more