Abstract: Compositions and methods for generating an immune response to fight against viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2 are provided. The disclosed compositions and methods are based on the discovery of the three consecutive SNPs (G28881A, G28882A, G28883C) underlying the R203K/G204R mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 N protein, associated with increased immune system response when expressed in cells. The immune responses that can be upregulated by the disclosed compositions include antibody production and/or upregulation of immune related genes that are generally involved in host defense against viral and bacterial infections, for example, increased expression of one or more genes including, but not limited to SHFL, MX1, AMD9L, TRIM22, TRIM14, EIF2 AK2, etc. The compositions include a peptide of the SARS-CoV-2 N-protein including the R203K/G204R mutation, a fragment thereof, or a nucleic acid encoding the same. The compositions are administered to a subject in need thereof to elicit an immune response in the subject.

Abstract: The invention features improved nucleic acids and methods for expression profiling of mRNAs, identifying and profiling of particular mRNA splice variants, and detecting mutations, deletions, or duplications of particular exons or other splice variants, e.g., alterations associated with a disease such as cancer, in a nucleic acid sample, e.g., a biological sample or a patient sample.

Abstract: The invention features improved nucleic acids and methods for expression profiling of mRNAs, identifying and profiling of particular mRNA splice variants, and detecting mutations, deletions, or duplications of particular exons or other splice variants, e.g., alterations associated with a disease such as cancer, in a nucleic acid sample, e.g., a biological sample or a patient sample.

Abstract: The invention features improved nucleic acids and methods for expression profiling of mRNAs, identifying and profiling of particular mRNA splice variants, and detecting mutations, deletions, or duplications of particular exons or other splice variants, e.g., alterations associated with a disease such as cancer, in a nucleic acid sample, e.g., a biological sample or a patient sample.

Abstract: The invention features improved nucleic acids and methods for expression profiling of mRNAs, identifying and profiling of particular mRNA splice variants, and detecting mutations, deletions, or duplications of particular exons or other splice variants, e.g., alterations associated with a disease such as cancer, in a nucleic acid sample, e.g., a biological sample or a patient sample.