Today we’re talking about Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)! TMV is an elongated, filamentous plant virus carrying an RNA genome (6.5kb). It’s capsid is made up of 2130 molecules of a coat protein. The virus is about 300nm in length and 18nm in diameter. TMV infects a wide-range of plants, especially tobacco, causing mosaic-like patterns onContinue reading “Tobacco-Mosaic Virus”
Author Archives: annickae
One dose for COVID+ people?
Today we’re looking at a published data set from last week that evaluated the similarities and differences between antibody titers after 1 and 2 doses of mRNA vaccine in both individuals who had had Covid prior (seroposotive) and those who had not (seronegative). It is a limited study, with only 110 individuals and very littleContinue reading “One dose for COVID+ people?”
Influenza Virus
Meet Influenza Virus! Chances are you’ve caught “the flu” at some point in your life. There are 4 species of influenza viruses – A, B, C, and D. The influenza virus is a 80-120nm, spherical, enveloped virus carrying an 8-segment RNA genome. Influenza Virus A and B (IAV and IBV) both contain hemagglutinin (HA),Continue reading “Influenza Virus”
Moderna Immunity – 6 months!
Moderna vaccine shows strong antibody persistence at 6 months! **Antibody persistence is likely much longer and is being continually monitored. This data was published at the 6 month mark so that’s as far as can be reported on!** I am hoping this is a new kind of post you’ll see more often where I takeContinue reading “Moderna Immunity – 6 months!”
Classes of Antibodies
Ever wondered what the difference is between IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE? I break it down in this post! IgM are 5 antibody molecules clipped together in a star formation and are the first class to be produced after exposure to an antigen. They are great at activating the complement system and neutralizing antigens becauseContinue reading “Classes of Antibodies”
Herpes Simplex Virus
Meet Herpes Simplex Virus! HSV is a spherical, enveloped particle (150-200nm) carrying a linear, double-stranded DNA genome (~150kb) within an icosahedral capsid. The envelope and capsid are separated by protein tegument. Several glycoproteins (gB, gC, gD, gH, gL, etc.), necessary for binding and entering the host cell, are embedded in the viral envelope. The tegumentContinue reading “Herpes Simplex Virus”
Maternal Mortality
I got to work with @sciencewhizliz on this very important slide deck! More attention needs to be paid to maternal mortality rates both globally and within the United States. While preparing this deck I was very surprised by just how much more risk there is in the US compared to other similarly developed/wealthy countries. More focus needsContinue reading “Maternal Mortality”
Lentivirus
Meet Lentivirus! Lentiviruses (part of the retroviridae family) are spherical (about 80-100nm in diameter), enveloped particles carrying a single stranded RNA genome. Importantly, lentiviruses also carry key enzymes necessary for genome replication, while most viruses use host machinery. Gp120 and Gp41 are glycoproteins embedded in the envelope that are necessary for host cell binding.Continue reading “Lentivirus”
Your Neck of the Woods!
Collaborative post with the wonderful @niniandthebrain ! Been confused about the different variants? Where they are, what mutations they have, what we know about them, and how vaccines still work on them? We’ve laid out the latest efficacy and effectiveness data here for you. We cover B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1 in detail. We include recent UK,Continue reading “Your Neck of the Woods!”
No such thing as China Virus.
Continuing the virus series today but in a slightly different way. We’ve all seen “China Virus” used to describe SARS-CoV-2 this past year. This is dangerous. Dangerous for both the safety of the many Asian-Americans in our communities and for our science literacy. This use of language has given hate-filled groups/individuals permission to continue and/orContinue reading “No such thing as China Virus.”