SARS-CoV-2

UBC research shows wastewater genomic testing can effectively track COVID-19 variants of concern within a region

Wastewater testing can accurately and rapidly identify levels of COVID-19 infections in the community, including the rise of variants of concern, suggests new research led by UBC professor Dr. Ryan Ziels.

Jul 12, 2021

SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7, also called the UK variant. The green depicts viral DsRNA and red shows viral nucleocapsid protein – these are both viral biomarkers, and indicate that the cell shown is infected by SARS-CoV-2. Credit: Dr. Guang Gao, UBC LSI IMAGING

Canadian researchers lead development and testing of promising treatment for COVID-19 variants

A new anti-viral drug could improve COVID-19 outcomes and survival rates — and is highly effective against multiple variants — according to a new study led by researchers at the University of British Columbia and Université de Sherbrooke.

May 11, 2021

Using cryo-electron microscopy, UBC researchers have revealed the structure of the N501Y spike protein mutant, shown above (in blue) bound to two copies of the ACE2 receptor (in red).

UBC researchers unveil first molecular images of B.1.1.7 COVID-19 mutation

UBC researchers are the first in the world to publish structural images of the N501Y mutation on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein—a change believed to be partly responsible for the highly infectious nature and rapid spread of variant B.1.1.7.

May 3, 2021

Screenshot of video showing spike protein and lectins. Credit: Daniel Canena and Peter Hinterdorfer, Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University

Potential ‘Achilles’ heel’ of SARS-CoV-2 virus captured on video

Proteins known as lectins can bind to the spike protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and prevent it from accessing human cells, an international team of researchers led by the University of British Columbia’s Dr. Josef Penninger has demonstrated.

Apr 30, 2021

Prof. Leonard Foster

Cloud computing support accelerates COVID-19 vaccine improvements

For the last 11 months, UBC biochemistry and molecular biology professor Prof.. Leonard Foster (he/him/his) and his team have been studying how SARS-CoV-2 – the virus responsible for COVID-19 – attacks the human body, in hopes of developing a more targeted vaccine with fewer side effects.

Apr 14, 2021

In cell cultures analyzed in the current study, hrsACE2 inhibited the coronavirus load by a factor of 1,000-5,000. Credit: IMBA/Tibor Kulcsar

Trial drug can significantly block early stages of COVID-19 in engineered human tissues

An international team led by University of British Columbia researcher Dr. Josef Penninger has found a trial drug that effectively blocks the cellular door SARS-CoV-2 uses to infect its hosts.

Apr 2, 2020

Credit: Unsplash

Pilot clinical trial in China to test UBC researcher’s findings as a targeted therapy for COVID-19 

A University of British Columbia researcher is part of an international team working with a biotechnology company on a pilot clinical trial of a potential new treatment for patients with severe coronavirus infections in China.

Feb 25, 2020