A recent study from researchers at George Washington University has shed new light on the relationship between nasal bacteria and COVID-19 risk. Published in EBioMedicine, the research reveals that certain types of nasal bacteria can affect the levels of key proteins the virus needs to enter human cells, offering a crucial insight into why some people are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than others.

The study analyzed nasal swab samples from over 450 individuals, including those who later tested positive for COVID-19. The researchers found that those who became infected had higher levels of gene expression for two key proteins: ACE2 and TMPRSS2. ACE2 allows the virus to enter nasal cells, while TMPRSS2 helps activate the virus by cleaving its spike protein.

Those with high expression for these proteins were more than three times as likely to test positive for COVID-19, while those with moderate levels had double the risk. Notably, men with higher levels of these proteins were more likely to get infected, indicating that elevated protein levels may present a greater risk for men.

To understand what could impact the expression levels of these viral entry proteins, the researchers turned to the nasal microbiome – the diverse community of bacteria that naturally reside in the nose. They found that certain nasal bacteria may affect the expression levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2, influencing the respiratory tract’s susceptibility to COVID-19.

The study identified three common nasal bacteria – Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis/nonliquefaciens – that were linked to higher expression levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 and increased COVID-19 risk. On the other hand, Dolosigranulum pigrum, another common type of nasal bacteria, was connected to lower levels of these key proteins and may offer some protection against the virus.

The findings offer new potential ways to predict and prevent COVID-19 infection. The study suggests that monitoring ACE2 and TMPRSS2 gene expression could help identify individuals at higher risk for infection. The research also highlights the potential of targeting the nasal microbiome to help prevent viral infections.

“We’re only beginning to understand the complex relationship between the nasal microbiome and our health,” said Cindy Liu, associate professor of environmental and occupational health at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health. “This study suggests that the bacteria in our nose – and how they interact with the cells and immune system in our nasal cavity – could play an important role in determining our risk for respiratory infections like COVID-19.”

The team plans to explore whether modifying the nasal microbiome, such as through nasal sprays or live biotherapeutics, could reduce the risk of infection – potentially paving the way for new ways to prevent respiratory viral infections in future pandemics.

A team of researchers led by Dr. KIM V. Narry has made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding how mRNA vaccines are delivered, processed, and degraded within cells. Their study, published in Science, sheds light on the cellular mechanisms that affect the function of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics, paving the way for more effective treatments.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) plays a crucial role in mRNA vaccines, such as those used for COVID-19, and is also a promising tool for treating diseases like cancer and genetic disorders. When foreign mRNA enters cells, it must evade the body’s natural defense mechanisms to be effective. However, the detailed mechanisms by which mRNA is regulated inside cells have remained largely unknown.

The research team employed CRISPR-based knockout screening to identify the cellular factors involved in the delivery of mRNA into cells. This approach revealed three key factors that facilitate the cellular uptake or surveillance of exogenous mRNAs:

1. Heparan sulfate (HSPG), a sulfated glycoprotein on the cell surface, plays a crucial role in attracting LNPs and facilitating mRNA entry into the cell.
2. V-ATPase, a proton pump at the endosome, acidifies the vesicle and causes LNPs to become positively charged, enabling them to temporarily disrupt the endosomal membrane and release the mRNA into the cytoplasm.
3. TRIM25, a protein involved in the cellular defense mechanism, binds to and induces the rapid degradation of exogenous mRNAs, preventing their function.

The study highlights that mRNA molecules containing a special modification called N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ) can evade TRIM25 detection, enhancing the stability and effectiveness of mRNA vaccines. This discovery emphasizes the importance of this modification in enhancing the therapeutic potential of mRNA-based treatments.

Additionally, the research demonstrates that proton ions serve as immune signaling molecules, providing new insights into how cells protect themselves from foreign RNA.

Dr. KIM V. Narry emphasized the importance of understanding these processes, stating, “Understanding how cells respond to mRNA vaccines is key to improving mRNA therapeutics. To develop effective RNA treatments, we need to find ways to bypass the cellular defense mechanisms and harness the endosomal system effectively.”

This research paves the way for more efficient mRNA vaccine delivery and offers a framework for future development of RNA-based therapies. The findings underscore the critical importance of early intervention and provide new directions for developing more effective treatments for a variety of diseases.

The lives of individuals living with Long COVID are marked by a constant struggle. Despite the physical symptoms that persist for weeks or even months after the initial COVID-19 infection, many people experience feelings of dismissal, disbelievement, and isolation from their healthcare providers. A recent study conducted at the University of Surrey sheds light on this phenomenon, highlighting the need for empathy and understanding in the treatment of Long COVID patients.

The study, published in the Journal of Health Psychology, involved in-depth interviews with 14 individuals who had experienced Long COVID symptoms for more than four weeks. The participants, aged between 27 to 63, shared their experiences of feeling ignored, discredited, and unsupported by healthcare providers. They reported being told that their symptoms were “all in their head” or that they needed to “get over it.” This lack of understanding led many to feel like they had to prove the physical nature of their illness, often rejecting psychological support as a result.

According to Professor Jane Ogden, co-author of the study and an expert in health psychology, the problem lies not with the patients refusing help but rather with the deep-seated need for people to be believed. When healthcare providers offer psychological support instead of medical care, it can be misinterpreted as dismissive or insulting.

The statistics are stark: 1.9 million people in the UK live with Long COVID, experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. It is imperative that healthcare providers approach these patients with empathy and understanding, acknowledging the physical nature of their illness while also offering supportive care.

As Saara Petker, clinical psychologist and co-author of the study, emphasizes, “Medical advice is crucial – but psychological support must be offered with care. If it’s seen as replacing medical help, it can feel dismissive.” By listening to the experiences of Long COVID patients and addressing their concerns, healthcare providers can play a vital role in alleviating this invisible illness.