Researchers describe the shape of the Ebola virus spike protein bound to an immune system antibody, providing a major step forward in understanding how the deadly virus works. The structure reveals vulnerable sites that can be exploited to develop potential Ebola virus vaccines or treatments.
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding the replication of bluetongue virus, a major economic threat to farming. The 'heart' of the virus lies in its enzymes, which are crucial for initiating and sustaining infection.
Scientists have discovered how bird flu adapts in patients, offering a new way to monitor the disease and prevent a pandemic. The research found specific mutations in the virus that may allow it to adapt to humans, indicating a potential risk of a pandemic.
Duke University scientists discovered how the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) hides during its inactive phase, using molecular understanding to provide a framework for studying latent viruses. The findings also offer hope for a potential cure by activating and killing the dormant virus with a new drug.
Scientists have found that Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) does not replicate in Varroa mites, highlighting the need for further investigation into its transmission. Research suggests that the virus is transmitted to bees when the mite bites and picks up infected bees' saliva or gut contents.
A new study reveals that warmer temperatures significantly accelerated the spread of a new strain of West Nile virus across North America. The virus displaced the older strain and led to two of the largest epidemics on record, with over 270 deaths in both 2002 and 2003.
A large 3D model of the Blue Tongue virus has been created by WMG engineers, helping biologists devise new ways to combat the virus and potentially develop anti-viral drugs. The model is 5,200,000 times larger than the real thing and will be on display at the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition.
Researchers found that the measles virus can replicate only in immune cells, causing disease in monkeys and potentially improving cancer therapy efficacy. The study's findings challenge traditional textbook assumptions about how the virus spreads, paving the way for more effective vaccines and treatments.
A new analysis of the genome of St Louis encephalitis has shed light on its evolution, tracing the virus back to South America and identifying a single mutation that made it pathogenic to humans. The research suggests that population dynamics and point mutations played a key role in the virus's adaptation to humans.
Researchers at ETH Zurich identify a unique invasion strategy used by the vaccinia virus, exploiting cellular waste disposal mechanisms and evading immune response. The discovery sheds light on a new mechanism of action for this virus, which could inform the development of new antiviral agents.
Researchers have identified a tropical source for the influenza A virus, which infects North Americans each winter and causes an average of 36,000 deaths. The study found that two strains of the virus, H3N2 and H1N1, follow a distinct pattern in their seasonal emergence and evolution.
Biologists at Purdue University have determined the structural changes that enable dengue virus to mature and become infectious. The researchers found that the changing acidity plays a vital role in this process, allowing the virus to fuse with cell membranes and infect new host cells.
Researchers found evidence of canine influenza virus circulation in the greyhound population dating back to 1999. The discovery sheds light on a potential earlier introduction of the virus, which may have caused respiratory outbreaks at racing tracks.
Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate the lengths of genetic pulses in HIV, favoring latency over replication. This finding offers promise for developing new treatments, as the 'switch' is a key factor in determining whether the virus becomes active.
A study published in AIDS found that neural progenitor cells can form HIV reservoirs in the brain, similar to astrocytes. These cells have the potential to replicate the virus and transmit it outside the brain. Researchers hope to investigate how to protect these cells from the virus and develop new treatments.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a protein, ISG15, that slows down the spread of Ebola virus by blocking its ability to escape from cells. This finding offers promise for future treatments against Ebola outbreaks.
Researchers analyzed genetic sequences of influenza A H5N1 virus to understand its migration patterns. The study showed that certain provinces in southern China and neighboring countries shared evolutionary history with the virus.
The Uukuniemi virus structure reveals how bunyaviruses infect host cells by changing shape in acidic environments, a mechanism shared with influenza and dengue viruses. The discovery may aid in developing drugs for treating hemorrhagic fever and encephalitis.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing a treatment for prostate cancer using the Newcastle Disease virus. The virus targets specific proteases secreted by cancer cells, generating apoptosis and killing diseased cells. This is a promising new approach to fighting cancer.
Researchers found that the M2 protein's motion and structure change when treated with amantadine, blocking the flu virus from infecting healthy cells. The study provides insight into developing alternative antiviral drugs for resistant flu strains.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a system to genetically disarm the Ebola virus by removing its VP30 gene. This allows for safe study of the pathogen in specialized cells, enabling the development of countermeasures such as vaccines and antiviral compounds.
Researchers have identified a key factor that determines influenza virus ability to infect human upper respiratory tract cells. The H5N1 avian flu virus must adapt to bind to specific sugar molecules coating the cells of our noses and throats.
The Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus uses protein 'knives' to cut bonds between cellular proteins, evading the immune system's defense. This allows the virus to replicate and spread, leading to high mortality rates. The discovery provides insight into why the virus is so virulent.
Researchers found a key protein switch in Chikungunya Virus that allows it to infect and transmit through the Asian tiger mosquito, increasing its ability to spread to new locations. This mutation enables the virus to adapt to areas without typical vectors, posing a global health threat.
Researchers found that blocking blood vessel growth with an antiangiogenic agent can reduce inflammation and improve antitumor efficacy of oncolytic virus therapy. This approach may increase survival rates for patients with aggressive brain tumors.
A single amino acid variation in equid herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) creates a different type of EHV-1 that causes neurological disorders in horses. The researchers found that altering this amino acid reduces virus levels and makes the virus more susceptible to antiviral drugs.
Researchers have identified multiple genes that confer broad-spectrum resistance to Turnip Mosaic Virus in brassicas like broccoli and cabbage. This discovery has the potential to develop resilient crop varieties that can withstand virus mutations.
The Seneca Valley Virus shows promise as a treatment for some metastatic cancers. Cervical cancer survivors are at greater risk of second cancers due to radiation exposure. A novel trial design identifies promising treatments in clinical trials.
Human and avian influenza viruses target different cells in the lower respiratory tract, with human virus targeting upper respiratory tract cells and avian virus targeting deeper lung cells. The study provides insights into the pathogenesis of these divergent diseases.
Scientists have found Marburg virus in Egyptian rousette fruit bats, a non-symptom developing carrier species that likely transmits the virus to humans. The discovery reveals this bat as Africa's natural reservoir and highlights the need for public health measures to prevent future outbreaks.
A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison identified a single change in a viral protein that facilitates the H5N1 avian flu virus's ability to infect the upper respiratory system in mammals. This adaptation enables efficient transmission through coughing and sneezing, potentially setting the stage for a pandemic.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that HIV recruits cellular miRNA to control viral RNA translation, allowing the virus to remain dormant. Manipulating miRNA's inhibitory effect on HIV may lead to new treatment strategies against the virus.
Biologists have found that the influenza A virus migrates globally and mixes with other viral strains during the summer off-season before returning to the Northern Hemisphere as a genetically different virus. The research suggests widespread viral traffic across the equator, contributing to new epidemics in both hemispheres.
Researchers have developed a customized virus, Delta-24-RGD, that targets and eliminates brain tumor stem cells. In lab experiments and human brain cancer in mice, the virus shows promise in killing glioblastoma multiforme tumors, which are resistant to radiation and chemotherapy.
A new study suggests that infection with human adenovirus-36 (Ad-36) may contribute to the development of obesity in some individuals. The virus transforms adult stem cells into fat cells, leading to increased fat accumulation.
Researchers genetically modified a plant to halt reproduction of cauliflower mosaic virus, which attacks the same protein complex used by HIV. The plant's protein complex involves two genes that can be blocked to prevent viral replication.
Scientists discovered preserved samples of the 1918 influenza virus in frozen autopsy tissues from an Alaskan woman buried for over 75 years. The recovery enabled researchers to study the virus's genetic material, providing valuable insights into its structure and potential vulnerabilities.
A new reovirus has been isolated from bats and can cause a serious but non-fatal respiratory illness in humans. The virus, named Melaka, is closely related to two other bat-borne reoviruses and can be transmitted between people.
A new vaccine has been developed to prevent hCMV infection and disease in mice, showing promise for human use. The vaccine generates an immune response that protects against both infection and disease by disarming the virus's ability to replicate.
Researchers have found that monoclonal antibodies from avian flu survivors in Vietnam are effective in preventing infection and neutralizing the virus in mice. The treatment could potentially provide a clinical benefit to humans with H5N1 infections, especially if administered early after symptoms onset.
The viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) has been identified in 19 species and poses a potential threat to New York's sport-fishing industry. Containing the spread of the virus requires restrictions on live fish movement, testing, and surveillance.
Researchers have identified a new virus, known as the WU virus, potentially linked to unexplained respiratory infections. The virus was detected in patients' nasal secretions using high-throughput DNA sequencing and shows similarities to polyoma viruses.
Researchers found that mice with chronic herpes virus infections can resist certain bacterial infections, suggesting potential benefits from latent viral infections. The study suggests that human immune systems have evolved to benefit from these chronic infections, which could impact vaccine development and disease research.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology have made an important finding on cytomegalovirus transmission by reducing the virus in salivary glands using antibodies. The study may have implications for other chronic virus infections like hepatitis and HIV.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified an 'insulator' - a stretch of DNA about 800 base pairs long - that serves as a physical barrier between active and inactive regions of the HSV-1 genome. This discovery may lead to strategies to manipulate the virus, and could provide targets for designing drugs to disrupt its mechanisms.
Researchers created a supermap of the H5N1 virus using genetic, geographic, and evolutionary data to predict future outbreaks. The map revealed no significant association between mutations in surface proteins HA and NA and specific host types.
Scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch have discovered a cellular protein, PAK1, that interferes with hepatitis C virus replication. The finding may lead to new drug development to fight the virus, which affects approximately 170 million people worldwide.
A new virus has been identified as the cause of death in three organ transplant recipients in Australia, who received organs from the same donor. The virus is related to known strains of lymphocytic choreomeningitis virus but has a distinct genetic sequence that could not be detected with existing diagnostic methods.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that the LC8 protein is actually a transcription factor that enhances viral replication, not a transport mechanism. This discovery may change how scientists think about central nervous system-attacking viruses like rabies and herpes.
Danish researchers have shed light on how viruses, like HIV and bird flu, trick human cells into producing proteins needed for replication. They developed optical tweezers to investigate the mechanical unfolding of pseudoknots, a crucial step in virus replication.
A review article argues that migratory birds are not the primary source of H5N1 virus dispersal. Human commercial activities, particularly poultry trade, are the major factors behind the global spread of the virus. The study suggests that strict health control and better animal welfare measures can help prevent disease transmission.
Researchers reconstructed the H5N1 avian flu virus's history over the past decade, tracing its origins in Guangdong province and spread across Eurasia. The study provides a roadmap for health officials to limit the virus's spread by targeting specific strains and regions.
Cornell researchers are developing a new genetic-based test to detect the deadly viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) in fish. The new technique, which can identify the virus in 24 hours, is set to be validated by the end of 2007 and could become the standard test for detecting this disease.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that some people have low-titer antibodies against H5N1 influenza, suggesting potential protection. The researchers also observed cross-reactive antibodies in mice, which afforded partial protection against avian H5N1 infection.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a new model for discovering and evaluating anti-HIV drugs using a mouse protein called APOBEC3. The study found that APOBEC3 inhibits the infection and spread of a mouse tumor virus, providing a potential test system for evaluating human APOBEC3-based drugs.
Researchers developed a novel virus culture system that enables sustained replication and production of HCV particles in nontransformed hepatocytes. This breakthrough allows for better understanding of HCV differences between strains and may improve treatment strategies.
Researchers found that the 1918 flu virus triggers a deadly respiratory infection by attacking the lungs, leading to death. The study provides insight into how the virus killed so quickly and efficiently, offering potential clues for developing novel antiviral strategies.
Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered a synthetic peptide that prevents the genital warts virus from infecting cells. The peptide targets the viral E2 protein, which binds to chromosomal proteins, and blocks its action, potentially stopping the spread of the virus and preventing cancer.
Scientists at NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases have successfully imaged the influenza virus using electron tomography, revealing five distinct types of particles. This breakthrough provides insight into the virus's structure and potential targets for vaccine development.
Researchers have discovered HIV replication in resident immune cells of the testis, providing an explanation for the persistence of virus in semen. The study suggests that the testis may be a pharmacological sanctuary for the virus.