COVID-19 Academic Resources Center
 

MDPI Comment on the COVID-19 Virus

Since 1996, MDPI has been committed to supporting the research community by providing the latest research freely available and making relevant and useful research available as quickly as possible. The world is current experiencing a pandemic of COVID-19, and researchers are working extremely hard to understand it and find a cure.

The values MDPI holds strongly are particularly important at the moment, and we will continue to publish relevant, peer-reviewed research as quickly as possible in open access format. This means that it will immediately be available for researchers, health professionals, and the general public to read, distribute, and reuse. We believe that scientific advancements will be crucial to overcoming this pandemic, and will do everything we can to support researchers working looking for solutions.

This page contains a variety of information related to COVID-19 available from MDPI, including journal articles, special issues, and preprints, among others.

Recent Publications

19 pages, 3183 KB  
Article
Effects of Exogenous SARS-CoV-2 S1 Protein and mRNA Vaccines on Mixed Neuronal–Glial Cell Cultures
by Vytenis Markevičius, Eimina Dirvelytė-Valauskė, Urtė Neniškytė and Vilmantė Borutaitė
Medicina 2026, 62(1), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010198 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background and Objectives: SARS-CoV-2 produces potentially pathogenic molecules, such as single-stranded RNA and spike proteins, which can potentially activate microglial cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 and mRNA vaccines can cause neurotoxicity directly or through [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: SARS-CoV-2 produces potentially pathogenic molecules, such as single-stranded RNA and spike proteins, which can potentially activate microglial cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 and mRNA vaccines can cause neurotoxicity directly or through microglial involvement. Materials and Methods: Primary cerebellar granule cell cultures isolated from Wistar rats and organotypic hippocampal slice cultures from transgenic C57BL/6J mice were used in the experiments. Imaging and quantitative analysis of cell viability, proliferation, and phagocytic activity were performed using light and fluorescence microscopy. Results: The exogenous SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein at 50 µg/mL concentration induced neuronal cell death in neuronal–glial co-cultures and stimulated microglial proliferation during the first 3 days of exposure without an effect on inflammatory cytokine secretion. Single application of Tozinameran/Riltozinameran and Original/Omicron BA. 4-5 vaccines did not affect neuronal viability and total neuronal number in cell co-cultures after 7 days of exposure. In contrast, three repeated treatments with mRNA vaccines at 6 ng/mL caused microglial proliferation without affecting microglial phagocytosis and TNF-α release. In organotypic brain slice cultures, only Tozinameran/Riltozinameran stimulated microglial cell proliferation in female brain slices, while male brain slices remained unaffected by both vaccines, indicating sex-dependent effects. Conclusions: The findings suggest that mRNA vaccines do not exert neurotoxic effects in primary neuronal–glial co-cultures, but induce microglial proliferation, particularly in female brains in the absence of inflammatory cytokine release. SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein at high concentrations directly induces neuronal death. Full article
2 pages, 262 KB  
Editorial
Editorial for the Special Issue “New Knowledge in the Study of Coronaviruses: Towards One Health and Whole Genome Sequencing Approaches, 2nd Edition”
by Simone Peletto
Microorganisms 2026, 14(1), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14010216 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026
Abstract
The study of coronaviruses has undergone unprecedented acceleration over recent years, driven largely by the global impact of SARS-CoV-2 and growing recognition of the extraordinary diversity and zoonotic potential of coronaviruses across species [...] Full article
25 pages, 3112 KB  
Review
The Emerging Promise of Pentacyclic Triterpenoid Derivatives as Novel Antiviral Agents Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants
by Xin Wan, Xiaoxuan Cui, Ke Liang, Junran Huang, Kangan Chen, Wen Chen and Gaopeng Song
Molecules 2026, 31(2), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31020325 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026
Abstract
The continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, especially the Omicron strain with its heightened transmissibility, has posed ongoing challenges to the efficacy of existing vaccine and drug regimens. This situation highlights the pressing demand for antiviral drugs employing novel mechanisms of action. Pentacyclic triterpenoids [...] Read more.
The continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, especially the Omicron strain with its heightened transmissibility, has posed ongoing challenges to the efficacy of existing vaccine and drug regimens. This situation highlights the pressing demand for antiviral drugs employing novel mechanisms of action. Pentacyclic triterpenoids (PTs), a structurally varied group of compounds derived from plants, exhibit both antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities, making them attractive candidates for further therapeutic development. These natural products, along with their saponin derivatives, show broad-spectrum inhibitory effects against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants (from Alpha to Omicron) via interactions with multiple targets, such as the spike protein, main protease (Mpro), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and inflammatory signaling pathways. This review consolidates recent findings on PTs and their saponins, emphasizing their influence on the key structural features required for inhibiting viral attachment, membrane fusion, reverse transcription, and protease function. We systematically summarized the structure–activity relationships and their antiviral results of PTs based on different target proteins in existing studies. Furthermore, this work points toward new strategies for designing multi-target PT-based inhibitors with improved efficacy against Omicron and future variants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Strategies for Drug Development)
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13 pages, 236 KB  
Article
Investigating Pediatric Musculoskeletal and Head Injuries During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Manitoba
by Monther Abuhantash, Luca Ramelli, Ashley Stewart-Tufescu, Tamara Taillieu, Isuru Dharmasena, Ian Laxdal, James McCammon and Tracie O. Afifi
COVID 2026, 6(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid6010019 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026
Abstract
There is a paucity of evidence informing our understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic affected pediatric trauma in Manitoba, Canada. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to analyze the effect of the pandemic on pediatric trauma and its association with patients’ [...] Read more.
There is a paucity of evidence informing our understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic affected pediatric trauma in Manitoba, Canada. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to analyze the effect of the pandemic on pediatric trauma and its association with patients’ demographic characteristics. Pre-pandemic and pandemic patient cohorts were created, and the rates of these injuries were compared by patients’ sex, age, and area of residence. During the pre-pandemic period, ED presentations with an MSK or head injury were lower in patients from rural communities compared to urban communities (RR: 0.68, p < 0.001, RR: 0.51, p < 0.001). Hospitalizations with an MSK or head injury were higher in patients from rural communities (RR: 1.78, p < 0.001, RR: 1.14, p = 0.62). During the pandemic, MSK injury ED presentations (RR: 1.14, p = 0.037) and hospitalizations (RR: 1.78, p < 0.001) were higher in patients from rural communities. Patients from rural communities had a lower rate of head injury ED presentations (RR: 0.81, p < 0.001), but higher hospitalization rate (RR:1.96, p = 0.001). Differences in the rates of pediatric MSK and head injuries could be attributed to the limited healthcare resources in underserved rural communities. Efforts should be made to rectify these inequities to ensure fair access to healthcare for these patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section COVID Public Health and Epidemiology)
12 pages, 471 KB  
Article
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Clinical Course of Influenza in Hospitalised Children in the Years 2017–2025
by Zuzanna Wasielewska, Justyna Franczak, Krystyna Dobrowolska, Justyna Moppert, Małgorzata Sobolewska-Pilarczyk and Małgorzata Pawłowska
Life 2026, 16(1), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16010154 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic substantially altered the epidemiology of respiratory infections. Its impact on the clinical course of influenza in hospitalised children remains insufficiently characterised. Objectives: We aimed to compare the clinical course, complications, and selected laboratory parameters of influenza in children before, [...] Read more.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic substantially altered the epidemiology of respiratory infections. Its impact on the clinical course of influenza in hospitalised children remains insufficiently characterised. Objectives: We aimed to compare the clinical course, complications, and selected laboratory parameters of influenza in children before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This single-centre retrospective study included 553 children hospitalised with laboratory-confirmed influenza between September 2017 and August 2025. Patients were divided into three groups: pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic. Clinical complications and inflammatory markers (CRP, PCT, neutrophil counts) were analysed. Results: Influenza-related complications occurred in 59.5% of patients and were significantly more frequent after the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period (64.3% vs. 52.9%, p = 0.02). Pneumonia was the most common complication across all groups, but its incidence was lowest during the pandemic. Myositis occurred most frequently during the pandemic and appears to coincide with a higher proportion of influenza B infections. No significant differences were observed in CRP, PCT concentrations, or neutropenia rates between groups. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic influenced the clinical presentation of influenza in children, with a post-pandemic increase in complications. These findings may reflect delayed access to healthcare and the phenomenon of immunity debt, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and preventive strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)
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27 pages, 1112 KB  
Article
Unraveling COVID-19’s Impact on Raw Material Supply Chains and Production in the Turkish Pipe Industry: A Critical ANOVA and Advanced MCDM Evaluation
by Hatef Javadi, Oguz Toragay, Mehmet Akif Yerlikaya, Marco Falagario and Nicola Epicoco
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 959; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020959 (registering DOI) - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
This paper analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain and production, investigating countermeasures for industrial recovery. In particular, the study examines how COVID-19 has affected the raw material supply chain, production, and outages on a real case study, that is, Turkey’s [...] Read more.
This paper analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain and production, investigating countermeasures for industrial recovery. In particular, the study examines how COVID-19 has affected the raw material supply chain, production, and outages on a real case study, that is, Turkey’s Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP) pipe industry. Using two- and three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), significant negative impacts on the raw material supply chain are identified with 95% confidence. To enhance decision-making, the fuzzy q-rung orthopair set (FQROPS) and entropy-based multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods are integrated in the baseline method. Specifically, ANOVA-identified factors, such as cost, supply continuity, production capacity, and risk level, are used as criteria in the MCDM analysis. Entropy determined criteria weights and FQROPS evaluate alternatives based on their proximity to the ideal solution. Findings show that significant disruptions occurred due to the pandemic. In addition, the MCDM analysis reveals that pre-pandemic conditions for key materials, such as fiberglass and resin, were significantly more favorable in terms of cost, supply continuity, production capacity, and risk levels. This integrated approach provides strategic insights for managing supply chains and production in the GRP pipe industry during and after pandemic events. Full article
Sequencing Techniques and Genomics Technologies to Help with Diagnostics and Virus Characterization – Focus on COVID 19
edited by , Hugh E. Olsen, and
submission deadline 15 Apr 2021 | 10 articles | Viewed by 71708
Keywords: Genomics technologies; Sequencing techniques; Metagenomics; Virus sequencing; Genetic diagnostics; qPCR; Nanopore sequencing; Single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing; Next-generation sequencing (NGS); Third-generation sequencing; Virus characterization; Long-read sequencing; Comparative genomics; Functional genomics; Diagnostic tests; Infectious diseases; Pandemic; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Coronavirus; Genomic epidemiology; Population stratification; Genetic susceptibility; Host interactions
(This special issue belongs to the Section Technologies and Resources for Genetics)
Advances in SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Vaccines
edited by Scott Roberts
submission deadline 20 Jan 2026 | Viewed by 270 | Submission Open
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; vaccine; epidemiology; public health; preparedness
(This special issue belongs to the Section Infectious Diseases)
Recent Advances in Pathophysiology and Immunology Related to SARS-CoV-2 Infection
edited by
submission deadline 20 Jan 2026 | 9 articles | Viewed by 16437 | Submission Open
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; immunology; pathophysiology; immunopathology
(This special issue belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
Rehabilitation and Treatment of Post-COVID-19 Condition submission deadline 20 Jan 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 951 | Submission Open
Keywords: post-COVID-19 condition; myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS); comorbidities; interdisciplinary; multimodal; digital medicine; rehabilitation; treatment; health-related quality of life; disability; return to work
(This special issue belongs to the Section Clinical Rehabilitation)
TMPRSS2 and Other Host Factors in Influenza Virus and Coronavirus Infections
edited by and Sze Keong Tey
submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 6821 | Submission Open
Keywords: TMPRSS2; host factors; influenza virus; coronavirus; viral infection; treatment of viral diseases
(This special issue belongs to the Section Human Virology and Viral Diseases)
How COVID-19 Affects Cancer Patients
edited by
submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | 15 articles | Viewed by 37608 | Submission Open
Keywords: COVID-19; pandemic; cancer; impact; incidence; mortality; lethality; disparities; gender
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention)

State-of-the-Art Webinars on COVID-19


WEBINAR 1: How to Avoid a New Lockdown?

The first webinar in the series, held on 17 April 2020, saw both Prof. Dr. Antoine Flahault, Director of the Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Switzerland, and Prof. Dr. Evelyne Bischof, Associate Professor, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China and Research physician, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland speak on this topic.

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 2: Coronaviruses: History, Replication, Innate Immune Antagonism

The second webinar in the series, entitled “Coronaviruses: history, replication, innate immune antagonism”, saw Prof. Dr. Susan R. Weiss, Professor of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania speak on this topic.

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 3: Could the COVID-19 Crisis be the Opportunity to Make Cities Carbon Neutral, Liveable and Healthy

The third webinar in this series was presented by Prof. Dr. Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, a world leading expert in environmental exposure assessment, epidemiology, and health risk/impact assessment with a strong focus and interest on healthy urban living. 

The recording can be found here

WEBINAR 4: COVID-19 - Global Supply Chains and the SDGs

For the fourth webinar of this series, Prof. Dr. Max Bergman, Dr. Dorothea Schostok and Prof. Dr. Patrick Paul Walsh gave a presentation on Global Supply Chains and the SDGs. 

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 5: The New Role of Family Physicians in Times of COVID-19

The fifth webinar of the COVID-19 Series saw Prof. Dr. Christos Lionis discuss the new role of family physicians that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 6: Survey on Symptoms/Signs, Protective Measures, Level of Awareness and Perception Regarding COVID-19 Outbreak among Dentists

In the sixth webinar of this series, Prof. Dr. Guglielmo Campus and Prof. Dr. Maria Grazia present and discuss the risk and the preventions that can and should be taken by dentists during this pandemic.

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 7: Living with COVID-19: An Early Intervention Therapeutic Strategy to Control the Pandemic

The seventh webinar of the COVID-19 series, Dr. Hamid Merchant discussed the different therapeutic strategies that can be adopted in the early stages of the infection.

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 8: Impact of COVID-19 on Routine Immunization, Reproduction and Pregnancy Outcome

For the eighth COVID-19 webinar, Prof. Dr. Jon Øyvind Odland discussed the effect that COVID-19 seems to have on pregnant women; whereas Prof. Dr. Giovanni Gabutti discussed the role of routine immunization as a way of fighting COVID-19.

The recording can be found here.

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