TWiV reveals how treatment with remdesivir for COVID-19 resolved a chronic poliovirus infection in an immunocompromised patient, and the finding that infection with SARS-CoV-2 leads to an increase in new and preexisting autoantibodies.
Richard joins TWiV to discuss the SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drug Molnupiravir , including how it was discovered, its mechanism of action, whether it is a mutagen for cells, and the future of drugs for treatment of COVID-19.
TWiV describes the identification of a monoclonal antibody that provides broad protection against a variety of hantaviruses, and development of an oral remdesivir-like antiviral that ameliorates viral disease in mice.
TWiV explains that a recent report suggesting that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein inhibits V(D)J recombination in vitro would not impact immunity after infection or vaccination, and describes the isolation of remdesivir resistant mutants in cells in culture, and the emergence of amino acid changes in the spike protein identical to those in variants of concern, in the absence of immune selection.
TWiV explains how remdesivir inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase: the drug is incorporated into the growing RNA chain and causes synthesis to stall when the drug clashes with an amino acid in the active site.
Daniel Griffin provides his weekly clinical report on COVID-19, including new post-exposure guidelines from CDC, clinical trials of Remdesivir and convalescent plasma, FDA EUA for baricitinib and Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody and more.
Daniel Griffin discusses President Trump’s case of COVID-19, including the clinical course, the medications he received and why, and expectations for the next few weeks.
Emmie de Wit joins TWiV to explain her work on the pathogenesis of infection with SARS-CoV-2 in rhesus macaques, including studies on remdesivir and vaccine candidate.
Vincent, Kathy and Rich explain the Jenner Institute’s SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, the NIH decision to stop the Remdesivir study, and answer listener questions.
Daniel Griffin updates the clinical situation with COVID-19 patients, followed by analysis of the remedesivir clinical trial results, and answers listener questions.
The Hosts of TWiV
Vincent Racaniello, Ph.D.
Dickson D.
Despommier, Ph.D.
Alan Dove, Ph.D.
Daniel Griffin, M.D.,
Ph.D., CTropMed CTH
Angela Mingarelli, DVM
Jolene Ramsey, Ph.D.