Researchers successfully measure and block a previously unstudied enzyme to stop the virus from replicating, potentially leading to a cure for patients. The breakthrough, which was aided by advances in HIV research, may lead to new hepatitis B drugs that can suppress the virus far enough to cure patients.
Researchers have discovered a link between West Nile virus in mosquitoes and birds, as well as the insects' ability to spread the virus to horses and people. Habitats with high disease prevalence in horses and birds also have more mosquitoes and certain bird species, which contribute to the transmission of the virus.
A Kansas State University doctoral student has received a USDA grant to research the relationship between the tomato spotted wilt virus and its vector, the western flower thrip. The goal is to develop a genetic tool to silence the thrip's protective genes, potentially stopping the disease's transmission.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have discovered that the flu virus can essentially tell time, with a clock that dictates when it multiplies, infects cells, and spreads. This finding provides a novel design platform for the flu vaccine and could lead to new antiviral drugs that target the virus's internal clock.
A recent study by EcoHealth Alliance found Ebola virus antibodies in approximately 4% of the bats screened in Bangladesh, indicating that Rousettus fruit bats may be a natural reservoir for Ebola virus. The study extends the known range of Ebola to mainland Asia.
Researchers at NIH and OHSU found that an experimental Ebola vaccine elicits antibodies that protect nonhuman primates from Ebola virus infection. The study's results showed that antibodies induced by the vaccine appeared to be critical to protecting the animals, while immune cells had a minimal role.
Researchers developed methods to synthesize and change the Schmallenberg virus genome, identifying a gene that protects the virus against the immune response. The study found that viruses missing this gene caused less sickness in mice, suggesting potential for new vaccines.
Researchers have observed the detailed changes in a virus's structure as it infects an E. coli bacterium, providing new insights into the viral infection process. The study reveals that the virus extends its ultra-thin fibers to find an optimal site for infection and ejects its genetic material through the host cell membrane.
Researchers at UNC discovered that the hepatitis C virus binds with microRNA miR-122 to protect itself, promoting viral replication. This interaction presents a promising target for new drugs to treat the infection.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which Ebola virus alters and evades the immune response of its infected host. The secreted protein can selectively drive induction of antibody responses to itself while competing for antibodies to the viral surface protein, enabling repeated or sustained infection.
Hepatitis C virus triggers liver cell entry through PI3K and AKT pathway activation, potentially leading to cancer, cirrhosis, or organ failure. Researchers identified a novel target for anti-HCV drugs by disrupting the PI3K-AKT pathway.
A new study demonstrates that a vaginal microbicide gel is highly effective in blocking HIV infection in non-human primate models. The gel, containing engineered peptides, prevents the virus from entering and infecting cells, offering a promising strategy for prevention and protection against HIV transmission.
A new viral outbreak in Africa has been linked to the Bas-Congo virus, a previously unknown microbe that causes deadly acute hemorrhagic fever. Genetic analysis reveals the virus is distinct from other rhabdoviruses, including those causing rabies.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have determined the structure of a critical protein from the Marburg virus, which blocks the human immune system. The breakthrough provides a major step forward in understanding how the deadly virus works and may be useful in developing potential treatments for those infected.
The reconstructed 1918 influenza virus has provided key insights into how to prevent and control future pandemics. By studying the virus's structure and evolution, researchers have identified potential targets for universal influenza vaccines that can protect against multiple viruses.
Researchers created the most comprehensive study of Epstein-Barr virus genome interactions with its human host. The EBV atlas describes over 60 human transcription factors and highlights the extensive coevolution of the virus, pointing toward possible targets for future cancer and anti-viral drugs.
Researchers successfully developed a highly effective vaccine against the deadly Nipah virus, which has shown complete protection in African green monkeys with no evidence of disease. The vaccine, known as Hendra-sG, is a recombinant piece of the virus produced in the laboratory and can be used safely for human treatment.
A recent study suggests that CD4+ T helper cells play a crucial role in controlling hepatitis A virus infection by suppressing virus growth without causing liver damage. This finding may explain why some patients relapse after clearing the infection.
Researchers at Griffith University are on the brink of an effective human treatment for the deadly Hendra virus, which has killed over 200 people in South East Asia. The therapy attacks the virus by turning off a vital gene and is highly effective in very low doses.
Scientists have identified a highly conserved 'switch' in the Hepatitis C virus that can be targeted by custom-designed drugs to lock it into an inactive state. This discovery offers a promising approach to treating the virus, which affects over 170 million people worldwide.
Researchers use molecular signatures to detect mutated virus strains, identifying characteristic changes in cells. The technique helps predict the severity of infection and assess potential impact on health.
A new type of viral genome has been discovered, challenging current understanding of virus evolution. The circular DNA genome, found in a unique RNA-DNA hybrid virus, suggests that entirely new virus types may emerge through recombination of functional and structural modules.
Scientists have pinpointed the region on dengue virus that humans target with their immune system, challenging current vaccine research. The discovery reveals human antibodies bind to a complex structure on assembled dengue viruses, not small fragments as previously thought.
Researchers found that dengue virus infection of mosquito salivary glands triggered genes involved in immune response, feeding behavior, and odor sensing. This may facilitate the spread of dengue fever to humans by making mosquitoes more efficient at finding and feeding on hosts.
A recent study found that dengue virus infection triggers changes in the activity of genes and functions of mosquito salivary glands, which may lead to greater virus transmission. The researchers also identified three salivary gland genes that modulate dengue virus infection and two olfactory genes that help control mosquito behavior.
A new study reveals how an invading virus hijacks a cell's signaling system by mimicking a cellular marker to defeat the body's defenses. This finding may represent a broader targeting strategy used by other viruses.
Researchers have identified enzymes and biochemical compounds that target the dengue virus, suggesting a potential new therapy. Medications used for high cholesterol may also inhibit the virus's replication.
A new study suggests that even with a small initial virus population, HIV rapidly evolves to evade immune defenses and treatments due to mutation, recombination, and random genetic changes. This findings sheds light on the difficulty in developing an HIV cure and highlights the need for novel strategies to control the virus.
Researchers have discovered that an Epstein Barr-like virus can infect dogs and be linked to lymphoma, similar to its effects on humans. The study found that dogs with lymphoma had antibodies against the virus and viral elements in their tumors, indicating a direct association.
Scientists at the University of Leeds create a biosensor technology that can detect Adenovirus viruses, identify individual strains, and count virus particles. This breakthrough could lead to faster, simpler, and less costly testing for viruses, ultimately benefiting patients.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which the immune system tries to halt HIV's spread, focusing on a protein called SAMHD1 that protects cells from viral hijacking. By understanding this mechanism, scientists may find new ways to stop or slow the virus' ability to infect.
Researchers discovered that certain ocean bacteria are tricked into using their own machinery to activate genes carried by viruses. The viruses inject DNA into stressed bacteria, which then support the virus' replication cycle. This co-evolutionary relationship reveals a sophisticated mechanism of gene regulation and exploitation.
Researchers found that prior immune response to one serotype can influence interaction with virus subtypes in a subsequent infection, increasing risk of severe disease. The study provides new insights into the complex interplay between viral genetics and immune system response.
A Tel Aviv University researcher warns that live virus polio vaccine evolution can continue to threaten global eradication efforts. The expert recommends maintaining herd immunity, environmental surveillance, and switching to inactivated vaccines.
The measles virus spreads quickly due to its use of the trachea receptor nectine-4, allowing it to contaminate individuals through airborne transmission. This discovery also reveals a potential link between the measles virus and certain cancers, offering new prospects for cancer treatment.
Researchers discovered measles virus exits host via nectin-4, a biomarker for certain types of cancer. This finding opens up promising new approaches for targeted cancer therapy.
A new fourth-generation oncolytic virus has shown greater effectiveness against human brain cancer, improving survival by 50% compared to previous versions. The virus is engineered to replicate in cells expressing nestin, a marker for neuronal stem cells and glioblastoma.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified four US strains of the hepatitis E virus in farmed rabbits, closely related to genotype 3, which can spread from animals to humans. The discovery raises concerns about the potential for zoonotic transmission and food safety risks.
A new three-dimensional model of measles virus helps explain unaccounted observations in its life cycle. The study found matrix protein forms helical tubes around the viral genome and nucleocapsid, regulating replication and genome movement.
Research reveals that West Nile virus transmission is highest in urbanized and agricultural areas, with the American robin playing a key role as a 'super-spreader'. Mosquito species that feed on robins are more important in transmission than other birds.
Research finds West Nile virus transmission is highest in urbanized and agricultural habitats, with robins and specific mosquito species playing a crucial role. The virus has had an impact on human health, particularly due to its ability to target abundant bird species.
A collaborative research team has developed an effective therapy against Hendra virus, giving an anti-virus human monoclonal antibody therapy after exposure protected animals from lethal disease. The study demonstrates promising results and offers a real potential treatment for Hendra virus infection in people.
A neutralizing human monoclonal antibody, m102.4, has been developed to protect against Hendra virus infection, showing promise as a potential treatment for severe illness and death in humans. The antibody attacks a critical component of the virus, preventing its infection of cells.
A species of mosquito capable of transmitting West Nile virus has been found on Galapagos Islands, posing a significant risk to the archipelago's unique wildlife. Strict insect control measures and further research are recommended to prevent the disease from reaching the islands.
Researchers have identified two weak points in the hepatitis C virus that could be targeted by a new vaccine. The discovery uses next-generation deep sequencing and computer analytics to track changes in the virus after infection, revealing opportunities for effective vaccine development.
Researchers discovered that measles virus can target tumors through the PVRL4 receptor, a marker found on lung, breast, colon, and ovarian cancer cells. This approach could be used to fight various types of cancer, with ongoing experiments testing its effectiveness in mouse tumor models.
Researchers have identified a protein used by Ebola virus to gain entry into cells and begin replicating, providing a new target for antiviral drugs. This discovery may lead to the development of more stable and effective treatments for Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF), currently caused by one of the deadliest known viruses affecting humans.
Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered a key cellular protein, Niemann-Pick C1, that is essential for the Ebola virus to infect cells. The finding suggests a possible strategy for blocking infection due to Ebola virus, which has killed up to 90% of those infected in some outbreaks.
Researchers identified Niemann-Pick C1 as a critical cellular protein for Ebola virus entry, allowing scientists to develop antiviral drugs. The discovery offers a promising strategy to combat the deadly virus.
Research suggests Hepatitis G virus may cause liver damage and cancer, contrary to FDA's initial declaration in 1997. A review of scientific literature shows the virus is prevalent globally, linked to hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for cancer of the immune system, targeting the Epstein Barr virus receptor EB12. The discovery was made by mapping the bio-antenna molecule and creating a blueprint of a tiny molecule that can bind to the B cell EB12 receptor, blocking its activation.
Veterinary researcher Scott Kenney received a prestigious USDA grant to investigate the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis behind porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. The two-year grant aims to better understand how the virus causes reproductive failure in sows and respiratory diseases in piglets.
A newly discovered human antibody recognized multiple strains of the flu virus, providing a promising lead for developing a longer-lasting vaccine. The antibody, dubbed CH65, binds tightly to the receptor pocket on the influenza virus, making it less affected by mutations.
Researchers track both clinical cases of West Nile Virus and infected mosquito populations to identify 'danger zones' and predict outbreaks. They also analyze the virus's genetic types, dynamics, and mobility to better understand its migration patterns.
Researchers created four mathematical models of virus infection and tested them against laboratory data. The study found that variation in host susceptibility enhances the prevalence of mixed-genotype micro-parasite infections. The findings improve our understanding of how virus particles interact with each other and the host animal du...
Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a powerful way to suppress hepatitis C by targeting different parts of the virus. Two prototype small molecule drugs, p7 inhibitors, attack the virus in distinct ways, suggesting they could be used together with 'direct-acting' drugs for more effective treatment.
A new UCSF study finds no evidence of a mouse virus in human blood, contradicting previous claims that it caused Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The study suggests the virus was detected in contaminated laboratory samples, and scientists need to continue searching for the real cause of the illness.
Researchers found that Zaire ebolavirus replicates in pigs, causing disease and transmitting the virus to unexposed animals. Pigs with respiratory symptoms shed high viral loads, posing a risk of transmission to humans.
Researchers found that HIV evolves to evade ADCC antibodies, but these antibodies can force the virus to become weaker. This study suggests that inducing ADCC responses through a vaccine could help prevent HIV infection.
Scientists have identified a single amino acid change in the chikungunya virus' exterior protein that enables it to infect Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, allowing for rapid spread across India and Southeast Asia. The discovery sheds light on why outbreaks occurred despite previous strains being present in the region.