Ranjan Ramasamy

Title : Genetic factors influencing early immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract

Abstract:

The nasal epithelium is the initial site of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Early and effective immune responses in the upper respiratory tract (URT) can limit and eliminate the infection in the URT, thereby preventing infection of the lower respiratory tract and the development of severe COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 interferes with innate immunity signalling and evolves mutants that can reduce antibody-mediated immunity in the URT. Recent genetic and

immunological advances in understanding innate immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in the URT, and the ability of prior infections as well as currently available injectable and potential intranasal COVID-19 vaccines to generate anamnestic adaptive immunity in the URT, are reviewed. It is suggested that the more detailed investigation of URT immune responses to all types of COVID-19 vaccines, and the development of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for intranasal administration, are important needs.

Audience take-away: 

• Cutting edge appreciation of protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2
• Assist teaching
• Help design additional research to advance knowledge of immunity to SARS-CoV-2
• Advance appreciation of the need to develop more effective vaccines
• Help design better vaccines for COVID-19

Biography:

Ranjan Ramasamy graduated from the University of Cambridge, UK and then obtained a PhD also from the University of Cambridge. He has since held academic appointments in the UK and abroad including Australia, Sri Lanka and the USA. He was the Chairman of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, Professor of Life Sciences at the Institute of Fundamental Studies in Kandy in Sri Lanka, Professor of Biochemistry in the University of Jaffna in Jaffna Sri Lanka, Professor of Immunology in the University Brunei Darussalam Medical School and held institute appointments at the Babraham Institute in Cambridge in the UK & Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation in La Jolla in the USA. He has more 250 publications in fields pertaining to Medical Sciences. He was on the Committee on Scientific Planning and Review of the International Council for Science, and the Board of Governors of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.