A. Executive summary • An unbiased, genome-wide screening technology determines the precise peptide sequences in SARS-CoV-2 that are recognized by the memory CD8+ T cells of COVID-19 patients. Results show CD8+ T Cells of COVID-19 Patients recognize shared epitopes in SARS-CoV-2 that largely reside outside the Spike Protein. These findings can inform development of next-generation vaccines that better recapitulate natural CD8+ T cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2. • This study generated whole genome data to determine the origin and pattern of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from the first six cases tested in The Gambia. Results indicate that three of the Gambian strains had a European origin (UK and Spain), two strains were of Asian origin (Japan). • An observational study was conducted in four public hospitals in Madrid to determine the effects of COVID-19 infection on people living with HIV (PLHIV). Results indicate that neither the HIV severity, nor the type of ARV treatment seem to influence the outcome of COVID-19 infection. • A reverse transcription digital PCR (RT-dPCR) method was established and evaluated to explore the feasibility of RT-dPCR in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 as compared to RT-qPCR. Findings demonstrate that RT-dPCR significantly improves accuracy and reduces the false negative rate of diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 in pharyngeal swab specimens. • Public health and social media data, from the PERC initiative, indicate the need for Member States to remain vigilant in their fight against COVID-19 and the importance of understanding the perceptions of their citizens.
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