..

COVID-19IIBR Updates You

Biology

IIBR leads na​tional efforts to counter any and all biological threats from intentional attacks as well as naturally-emerging diseases. Using a multi-disciplinary project strategy, combined with cutting edge technologies, we develop methods for the identification of various bio-threats; forensic investigation of bio-terror agents and pathogenesis mech​anisms; design of new strategies for vaccine development, as well as evaluation of novel modalities of therapeutics. IIBR biotechnology cGMP multi-product facility, is designed for the development and production of bio-pharmaceuticals and unique vaccines for national preparedness. ​

EXPLORE
 

Environmental science

IIBR research and development concerning environmental sciences ranges from numerical mod​eling to laboratory and field​​​​ experiments in the areas of meteorology and atmospheric contaminants. IIBR has developed capabilities that enable detection and identification of hazardous materials, weather and dispersion prediction, physical protection and evaluation of potential risks.

EXPLORE
 

Chemistry

Toxicological eval​uation at IIBR is followed by the generation of novel treatment protocols and drugs, rapid and effective solutions for damage prevention and control. These are g​ained by a combination of cutting-edge synthetic capabilities and an advanced analytical toolbox. All are based on comprehensive pharmacological and pathophysiological understanding and advanced experimental means.​

EXPLORE
 
Collaborate

PHD

Women In Science

0

Fields of scientific knowledge

Humoral and T-Cell Response before and after a Fourth BNT162b2 Vaccine Dose in Adults ≥60 Years

Protective immunity to COVID-19 is achieved by both the cellular and humoral immune arms. We analyzed the responses in elderly people before and after a fourth vaccine dose of BNT162b2, and compared it to those of individuals immunized with three vaccine doses. Although a boost effect was observed, the high response following the third administration questions the necessity of an early fourth boost​

 

 

Genome-wide CRISPR screens identify GATA6 as a proviral host factor for SARS-CoV-2 via modulation of ACE2haring information

Employing a genome-scale CRISPR screen, we provide a comprehensive data-set of cellular factors that are exploited by wild type SARS-CoV-2 as well as two additional recently emerged variants of concerns (VOCs). We identified several host factors critical for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Comparative analysis of the different VOCs revealed 2 host factors as potential unique candidates required only to the Alpha variant. The analysis identified GATA6 as an essential proviral gene for all variants inspected. We show that GATA6 directly regulates ACE2 transcription and is critical for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of GATA6 resulted in down-modulation of ACE2 and inhibition of viral infectivity​

 

 

Revisiting SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination by COVID-19 patients: The Omicron variant does not differ from previous strains

 Herein, we sampled high-contact surfaces and air in close proximity to patients verified as infected with Omicron strain, original or Alpha strains. Cumulatively, for all three strains, viral-RNA was detected in 90/168 surfaces and 6/49 air-samples. No infective virus was identified. No significant differences in prevalence were found between strains. This preliminary work suggests that Omicron’s increased transmissibility doesn't result from acquiring airborne infectivity, higher environmental contamination or better resilience on surfaces.​​​

 

 

Newsroom

Scientific Publications

​IIBR's latest Scientific Publications in the fields of biology, chemistry and the environmental sciences​.

read moreaboutScientific Publications

News

​Read about IIBR in the press.





read moreaboutNews