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

45 pages, 2714 KiB  
Review
mRNA Vaccine Development in the Fight Against Zoonotic Viral Diseases
by Brandon E. K. Tan, Seng Kong Tham and Chit Laa Poh
Viruses 2025, 17(7), 960; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17070960 - 8 Jul 2025
Abstract
Zoonotic diseases are transmitted from animals to humans, and they impose a significant global burden by impacting both animal and human health. It can lead to substantial economic losses and cause millions of human deaths. The emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases are [...] Read more.
Zoonotic diseases are transmitted from animals to humans, and they impose a significant global burden by impacting both animal and human health. It can lead to substantial economic losses and cause millions of human deaths. The emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases are heavily influenced by both anthropogenic and natural drivers such as climate change, rapid urbanization, and widespread travel. Over time, the unprecedented rise of new and re-emerging zoonotic diseases has prompted the need for rapid and effective vaccine development. Following the success of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, mRNA-based platforms hold great promise due to their rapid design, swift development and ability to elicit robust immune responses, thereby highlighting their potential in combating emerging and pre-pandemic zoonotic viruses. In recent years, several mRNA vaccines targeting emerging and re-emerging zoonotic viral diseases, such as rabies, Nipah, Zika, and influenza, have advanced to clinical trials, demonstrating promising immunogenicity. This review explores recent advances, challenges, and future directions in developing mRNA vaccines against emerging and re-emerging zoonotic viral diseases. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3069 KiB  
Article
Identification of Common Hub Genes in COVID-19 and Comorbidities: Insights into Shared Molecular Pathways and Disease Severity
by Suresh Kumar, Jia-Jin Wee and K. J. Senthil Kumar
COVID 2025, 5(7), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid5070105 - 8 Jul 2025
Abstract
Severe COVID-19 disproportionately impacts patients with comorbidities such as type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), obesity (OBCD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension (HTN), and cerebrovascular disease (CeVD), affecting 10–30% of cases. This study elucidates shared molecular mechanisms by identifying common hub genes [...] Read more.
Severe COVID-19 disproportionately impacts patients with comorbidities such as type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), obesity (OBCD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension (HTN), and cerebrovascular disease (CeVD), affecting 10–30% of cases. This study elucidates shared molecular mechanisms by identifying common hub genes and genetic variants across these conditions using an integrative bioinformatics approach. We curated 5463 COVID-19-related genes from DisGeNET, GeneCards, T-HOD, and other databases, comparing them with gene sets for T1D (324 genes), T2D (497), OBCD (835), CVD (1756), HTN (837), and CeVD (1421). Functional similarity analysis via ToppGene, hub gene prediction with cytoHubba, and Cytoscape-based protein–protein interaction networks identified four hub genes—CCL2, IL6, IL10, and TLR4—consistently shared across all conditions (p < 1.0 × 10−5). Enrichr-based gene ontology and KEGG analyses revealed cytokine signaling and inflammation as key drivers of COVID-19 cytokine storms. Polymorphisms like IL6 rs1800795 and TLR4 rs4986790 contribute to immune dysregulation, consistent with previous genomic studies. These genes suggest therapeutic targets, such as tocilizumab for IL6-driven inflammation. While computational, requiring biochemical validation, this study illuminates shared pathways, advancing prospects for precision medicine and multi-omics research in high-risk COVID-19 populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Host Genetics and Susceptibility/Resistance)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 464 KiB  
Review
From Challenge to Cure: A Look at Feline Infectious Peritonitis and Emerging Treatment Strategies and Breakthroughs
by Sheema Mir, Mykah Peters, Gloria Penny, Alexis Agsaoa and Mohammad Mir
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(7), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12070650 - 8 Jul 2025
Abstract
Background: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a complex and devastating viral disease in cats caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV). While FCoV is commonly encountered and typically innocuous, the emergence of a mutated variant can lead to the development of FIP, a severe and [...] Read more.
Background: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a complex and devastating viral disease in cats caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV). While FCoV is commonly encountered and typically innocuous, the emergence of a mutated variant can lead to the development of FIP, a severe and often fatal condition. Method and Results: This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the etiological factors, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and challenges associated with FIP. Additionally, it underscores the critical need for further research to enhance diagnostic capabilities and develop effective therapeutic interventions. Conclusion: By shedding light on the intricate dynamics of FIP, this review paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the disease via fostering therapeutic advancements that can improve outcomes for afflicted felines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 2643 KiB  
Article
Systematic Comparison of Different Compartmental Models for Predicting COVID-19 Progression
by Marwan Shams Eddin, Hussein El Hajj, Ramez Zayyat and Gayeon Lee
Epidemiologia 2025, 6(3), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/epidemiologia6030033 - 8 Jul 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for accurate predictive models to guide public health interventions and optimize healthcare resource allocation. This study evaluates how the complexity of compartmental infectious disease models influences their forecasting accuracy and utility for pandemic resource [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for accurate predictive models to guide public health interventions and optimize healthcare resource allocation. This study evaluates how the complexity of compartmental infectious disease models influences their forecasting accuracy and utility for pandemic resource planning. Methods: We analyzed a range of compartmental models, including simple susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) models and more complex frameworks incorporating asymptomatic carriers and deaths. These models were calibrated and tested using real-world COVID-19 data from the United States to assess their performance in predicting symptomatic and asymptomatic infection counts, peak infection timing, and resource demands. Both adaptive models (updating parameters with real-time data) and non-adaptive models were evaluated. Results: Numerical results show that while more complex models capture detailed disease dynamics, simpler models often yield better forecast accuracy, especially during early pandemic stages or when predicting peak infection periods. Adaptive models provided the most accurate short-term forecasts but required substantial computational resources, making them less practical for long-term planning. Non-adaptive models produced stable long-term forecasts useful for strategic resource allocation, such as hospital bed and ICU planning. Conclusions: Model selection should align with the pandemic stage and decision-making horizon. Simpler models are effective for rapid early-stage interventions, adaptive models excel in short-term operational forecasting, and non-adaptive models remain valuable for long-term resource planning. These findings can inform policymakers on selecting appropriate modeling approaches to improve pandemic response effectiveness. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 241 KiB  
Article
Impact of COVID-19 on Incident Depression and Anxiety: A Population-Based Observational Study Using Statewide Claims Data
by Jaewhan Kim, Khanh N. C. Duong, Emeka Elvis Duru, Rachel Weir, Karen Manotas, Kristi Kleinschmit, Aaron Fischer, Peter Weir and Fernando A. Wilson
Healthcare 2025, 13(14), 1638; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13141638 - 8 Jul 2025
Abstract
Objectives: Evidence suggests that COVID-19 infection contributes to elevated risks of psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety, however, this association remains underexplored. This study aimed to examine the incidence of depression and anxiety in individuals with COVID-19 compared to those without any [...] Read more.
Objectives: Evidence suggests that COVID-19 infection contributes to elevated risks of psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety, however, this association remains underexplored. This study aimed to examine the incidence of depression and anxiety in individuals with COVID-19 compared to those without any infection. Method: Using the Utah All Payers Claims Database (2019 to 2021), we examined adult patients with continuous insurance enrollment. Individuals with pre-existing depression or anxiety were excluded. COVID-19 infection in 2020 was identified using diagnostic and procedural codes. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) method was applied to select covariates, followed by entropy balancing to adjust for baseline differences. Weighted logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between COVID-19 infection and incident mental health diagnoses in 2021. Results: Among 356,985 adults included in the final analytic sample for depression analysis, 37.6 percent had a documented COVID-19 infection in 2020. Individuals with prior infection had significantly higher odds of receiving a depression diagnosis in 2021 compared to those without infection (OR = 1.48, p < 0.01). A similar pattern was observed for anxiety: among 371,491 adults, 38.1 percent had a COVID-19 infection, and infected individuals had 46 percent greater odds of receiving an anxiety diagnosis (OR = 1.46, p < 0.01), after adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics. Conclusions: This study highlights the elevated risk of depression and anxiety among patients who had been infected with COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of addressing the mental health needs of individuals affected by the virus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Coronaviruses (CoV) and COVID-19 Pandemic)
9 pages, 800 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Leveraging Digital Health for Pandemic Response: Reliable Telemonitoring and Personalized Patient Care
by Maria Montserrat Pérez García, Ainhoa Berasategi Artieda, Amaia Mendizabal Olaizola, Idoya Lizaso Vaquero, Francisco Diaz Tore, Macarena Sevilla, Ainhoa Bastarrika, Ainhoa Ariceta, Darya Chyzhyk, Maider Alberich and Manuel Millet Sampedro
Med. Sci. Forum 2025, 32(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2025032005 - 8 Jul 2025
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the urgent need for scalable, reliable telemedicine tools to manage mild cases remotely and avoid overburdening healthcare systems. This study evaluates StepCare, a remote monitoring medical device, during the first pandemic wave at a single center in Spain. Among [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the urgent need for scalable, reliable telemedicine tools to manage mild cases remotely and avoid overburdening healthcare systems. This study evaluates StepCare, a remote monitoring medical device, during the first pandemic wave at a single center in Spain. Among 35 patients monitored, StepCare showed high clinical reliability, aligning with physician assessments in 90.4% of cases. Patients and clinicians reported excellent usability and satisfaction. The system improved workflow efficiency, reducing triage time by 25% and associated costs by 84%. These results highlight StepCare’s value as a scalable, patient-centered solution for remote care during health crises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Clinical Reports)
Show Figures

Figure 1

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 66743
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)
Multiple Hosts of SARS-CoV-2, 3rd Edition
edited by and Santhamani Ramasamy
submission deadline 31 Jul 2025 | 1 articles | Viewed by 683 | Submission Open
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; animal– human interface; animal reservoirs; One Health; pathogenicity and pathogenesis; spillover and spillback; surveillance; virus evolution and adaptation; zoonoses and reverse zoonoses
(This special issue belongs to the Section Coronaviruses)
COVID-19 Diagnostics in Clinical Applications, Long-Term Effect and Pandemic Controls
edited by
submission deadline 31 Jul 2025 | 2 articles | Viewed by 2501 | Submission Open
Keywords: long-term effects; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; pneumonia
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Microbiology)
Current Challenges in Infectious Diseases Post COVID-19 Pandemic submission deadline 31 Jul 2025 | 3 articles | Viewed by 4798 | Submission Open
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; pandemic; viral pathogens; Antibiotics
(This special issue belongs to the Section Public Health Microbiology)
SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies 3rd Edition
edited by Youchun Wang
submission deadline 31 Jul 2025 | 2 articles | Viewed by 2185 | Submission Open
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; neutralizing antibodies; neutralization assays; standards; monoclonal antibodies; vaccines; viral variants
(This special issue belongs to the Section Coronaviruses)
SARS-CoV-2: Infection, Transmission, and Prevention submission deadline 31 Jul 2025 | 2 articles | Viewed by 1488 | Submission Open
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; prevention; vaccines; artificial intelligence
(This special issue belongs to the Section Public Health Microbiology)

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.

Open Platforms for Research Dissemination

Follow Us

Back to TopTop