Covid-19: Researchers reveal secrets of the virus and new therapies!

Covid-19: Researchers reveal secrets of the virus and new therapies!

Wuhan, China - In Germany, research on the Virus Sars-Cov-2 and its variants is in full swing. Essential developments and findings shape the current understanding of the spread and combat of Covid-19. While new virus variants such as the currently dominant JN.1 are the focus, the question remains open where the virus originally comes from, and what effects this could have on future research approaches.

Scientists such as Andreas Bergthaler, professor of molecular immunology at the University of Vienna, emphasize the continuous evolution of the virus. This dynamic is not only a challenge in the development of treatment methods, but also with regard to the predictability of new mutations. "However, precise long -term predictions remain difficult," emphasizes Bergthaler. The possibility that the virus, for example, behaves like influenza viruses, arouses concerns about potential new waves of infections.

The role of the immune system

A central aspect in the fight against the virus is the human immune system. It consists of two main components: the innate and adaptive immune response. While the innate immunity enables a quick reaction to different threats, the adaptive immune response is more precise. Roman Wölfel, head of the Bundeswehr Institute for Microbiology in Munich, explains that a strong T-Zell response is crucial to avert serious illnesses.

Current therapy approaches

At the beginning of the pandemic, specific medication was in short supply. Since February 2022, PAXLOVID has been available to therapy that is supposed to inhibit the increase in the virus. Although treatment in studies is considered helpful, there are different opinions about their actual effectiveness. Even a study published April 2024 showed no significant differences in treatment between Paxlovid and Placebo.

The debate about alternative treatment options increases, since further research is required to be able to offer effective therapies depending on the patient group. Different medications are approved in other countries, which increases the need to make up for developments in Germany.

The vaccinations represent another important step in the containment of the pandemic. Microbiologist Roman Wölfel emphasizes that vaccinated often develop unique wider immune responses compared to the virus, which protects them from severe courses. However, the question of the effectiveness of the vaccines arises compared to new variants that develop quickly. Ulrike Protzer, director of the Institute of Virology at the Technical University of Munich, therefore calls for the development of a more universal vaccine to cover not only SARS-COV-2, but also other coronaviruses.

An often overlooked topic is the so -called long covid. Patients who continue to have complaints long after the actual illness put medical research under pressure. The causes are diverse and not yet finally clarified what a hurdle is in the effective treatment. However, Andreas Bergthaler warns that the feedback from Long-Covid patients indicate concrete deficits in sufficient medical care.

The situation is therefore complex and continues to develop. While research is still being operated intensively, it remains to be seen how the next few months will be with regard to new variants and treatment methods. Future progress could be crucial to control the pandemic in the long term and create more clarity with regard to the symptoms and treatment options of Long Covid.

More details on the various aspects of Corona research can be found in a comprehensive report on taz.de .