Together against corona
Only if we work together, we can beat the coronavirus. That is why researchers from ErasmusMC in Rotterdam and BPRC in Rijswijk have joined forces. Resulting in the first European SARS-CoV-2 infection model in macaques.
This model provides (international) scientists the opportunity to evaluate their experimental vaccines and medicines.
Today is World Parkinson's Day. A day to reflect on the development of treatments for Parkinson's patients. Parkinson's is a disease that has been around for ages. Already 1000 years before Christ it was described. The disease causes a disturbance in the motoric control of movements. Particularly elderly people are prone to develop this condition, but we still don't know what the cause is.
The world is urgently in need for a vaccine against the coronavirus. Billions are being invested worldwide. But there is one thing we cannot buy with money and that is time. Developing a good and safe vaccine takes a lot of time. Below we explain why.
During evolution, humans have developed a diverse and complex defence system to protect themselves against pathogens. An important part of this system are the immune cells Natural Killer (NK) cells. NK cells are part of the first line of defence after an infection or during the formation of tumors. Via special proteins on the surface, KIR receptors, NK cells recognise other cells that show abnormal behaviour and then clear up.
Like many other universities and institutes, BPRC also conducts research into corona. In this blog, we briefly explain why corona research is so important. We also give a small peek in our coronalab.
We are currently in the midst of the coronacrisis. The advice by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment emerges a clear picture. Stay indoors as much as possible, keep a distance of 1.5 meters, cough in elbows or tissue paper. And wash your hands frequently. The question is how to deal with outbreaks of pathogens in the future. Good to know is where they come from.
Every year on March 24, we commemorate that tuberculosis, TB for short, continues to claim many victims. Far too much, because the WHO estimates that there are approximately 10 million new infections and approximately 1.5 million deaths each year. That's over 4,000 deaths a day!
Long-tailed macaques and rhesus macaques are sensitive to the new coronavirus, just like humans. That is why we took extensive precautions to prevent accidental infections.
Dengue fever is caused by dengue virus and it is one of the most common diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. Although the percentage of patients who die from dengue virus is low, the burden of disease and economic impact are high. There are currently no medicines to combat dengue fever. A vaccine is available, but it is not suitable for children and tourists. That is why a better vaccine is desperately needed.
Animal research, we cannot do without it yet. Certainly not when a new virus emerges that has the potential to make many, many, people sick, such as the new coronavirus. To stop the epidemic, new medicines and vaccines are needed. BPRC is working hard on this.
