Research published in Cell Host and Microbe reveals a minor reduction in CD45 levels provides protection against both Ebola virus and Bacillus anthracis. Mice expressing reduced CD45 levels showed enhanced viral clearance and increased protection against infection.
Researchers designed synthetic protein-like mimics that interrupt HIV's interaction with host cell proteins, blocking infection. The novel molecules, dubbed 'foldamers,' are highly resistant to degradation and have potent antiviral activity.
Researchers discovered that flexibility in DC-SIGN's neck region allows it to recognize a broader range of pathogens, including Ebola, Dengue fever, and HIV. This flexibility enables the protein to adapt to different target surfaces, maximizing bond strength.
A new international partnership aims to improve African institutions' capacity to detect infectious diseases affecting humans and animals. The Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance (SACIDS) will develop courses, research skills, and biosafety systems to tackle major livestock and wildlife diseases.
Scientists discovered two critical biochemical pathways for Ebola virus entry into cells and developed inhibitors to block them. The UTMB team prevented Ebola infection in cell culture experiments, a crucial step towards developing the first therapy for the deadly disease.
The PNWRCE will focus on identifying potential therapeutic targets for infectious diseases, including those caused by pathogens categorized as A, B and C. Researchers will study defects in the immune system caused by aging and disease-host interactions through genomics and genetic analyses.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College discovered that chloroquine is a highly active inhibitor of infection by Hendra and Nipah viruses. The drug blocks the action of cathepsin L, an enzyme essential for virus growth and maturation.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered that Ebola virus disables tetherin protein to prevent its inhibition, allowing the virus to spread. Understanding this mechanism may facilitate the development of therapeutics to slow down viral replication.
Researchers have solved the structure of VP35, a key part of the Ebola protein that interferes with host cell defense mechanisms. This discovery paves the way for designing drugs that can bind to and inhibit VP35 function, potentially neutralizing the Ebola virus.
The discovery of Bundibugyo ebolavirus represents a significant addition to the puzzle of the Ebola virus genus. The new virus is genetically distinct from all other known Ebola virus species, differing by more than 30% at the genetic level. This finding has implications for the development of diagnostics, antivirals, and vaccines.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have discovered a key biochemical link in the process by which Ebola Zaire virus infects cells. By activating the PI3 kinase pathway, Ebola tricks the cell into drawing it into an endosome, where it can reproduce itself.
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.
Researchers have successfully tested Ebola vaccines in primates, triggering a cell-mediated response and producing effective protection. The candidates are now set to be tested on humans for the first time, offering hope for controlling outbreaks and protecting healthcare workers.
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.
A combination vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs) provides complete protection against Ebola and Marburg viruses in monkeys. This innovative approach has the potential to offer broad-based immunity and is considered a leading candidate for use as a filovirus vaccine in humans.
A new study maps emerging disease hotspots worldwide, revealing that human-wildlife conflict and drug-resistant pathogens are major contributors. The research, which analyzed 335 diseases from 1940 to 2004, shows that disease emergence has roughly quadrupled over the past 50 years.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that zoonoses, disease originating in animals, are a major threat to emerging diseases. The team's analysis of 335 disease emergence incidents between 1940 and found that tropical regions with abundant wildlife species are likely next targets.
Western lowland gorillas have been observed mating in a unique face-to-face position for the first time in the wild. This behavior is rare among primates, with only bonobos frequently employing ventro-ventral copulation.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered that rapid evolution of protein ZAP is associated with increased antiviral activity in humans. The longer human ZAP protein isoform has higher antiviral activity against various viruses, including alphaviruses and filoviruses.
Researchers found that a protein produced by an immunity gene called ZAP has increased antiviral activity in humans, linked to evolutionary changes. The study suggests that studying evolutionary biology and virology can accelerate the discovery of viral-defense mechanisms.
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.
A new study from Yale University suggests that preventing half of new XDR TB cases can be achieved through inexpensive infection control measures, including reducing hospital overcrowding and improving ventilation. This could potentially save millions of lives globally.
Scientists have identified a new genetic lineage of the Ebola virus in great apes, which contradicts previous assumptions about its evolutionary development. This discovery suggests that wild strains of Ebolavirus can exchange genetic material through recombination processes.
Scientists use NASA satellites to monitor environmental changes, predicting infectious disease outbreaks like Ebola, West Nile virus, and Rift Valley Fever. Malaria surveillance also benefits from this technology, providing public health organizations with increased warning time to respond to outbreaks.
Scientists at Northwestern University are mapping parts of lethal bacteria in three dimensions, exposing a fresh opening into the bacteria's vulnerabilities. This view will enable scientists to create drugs to disable or vaccines to prevent deadly infectious diseases such as anthrax, plague, and Ebola.
Experts from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene meet to address global health concerns and share research on infectious diseases such as Chagas and Dengue fever, which pose a threat to the US blood supply. Researchers also discuss using NASA technology to monitor deadly outbreaks like Ebola and malaria.
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.
Scientists have identified Marburg virus RNA genome and antibodies in African fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), providing new insight into a deadly disease that has long baffled epidemiologists. The discovery, published in PLoS ONE, offers potential for understanding transmission and development of a vaccine or drug therapy.
Researchers analyzed 30 years of data to understand how initial processes shaped the virus's geographic spread, revealing key factors like mountain ranges and rivers affecting its expansion. The study provides insights into the epidemiology of rabies and other emerging zoonotic diseases.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a way to deliver medicine more effectively using cylindrical-shaped carriers. The study found that these nanocylinders sustainably delivered an anticancer drug for up to one week, killing more cancer cells and shrinking tumors.
Researchers at University of Texas Medical Branch have discovered a way to identify the biochemical profile of an inappropriate immune response to viral infection. The study uses a protein-scanning chip and computer database to examine over 1,200 protein interactions in guinea pigs infected with two different strains of Pichinde virus.
A human trial of a DNA vaccine designed to prevent H5N1 avian influenza infection began in December 2006. The vaccine instructs human cells to make proteins that act as a vaccine against the virus, providing broad immune responses without infectious material.
Researchers discovered the role of metalloproteinases in increasing vascular permeability and blood loss associated with Dengue. In vivo experiments neutralized these enzymes, providing a new model for treating hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola and Marburg.
A new study finds that 93% of gorillas at the Lossi Sanctuary in Congo were killed by Ebola during outbreaks in 2002 and 2003. The research suggests that targeted vaccination strategies could be effective in controlling the spread of the disease, which has devastated ape populations in Africa.
Researchers discovered a pattern to Ebola's spread, linking it to wildlife populations and climate. The study found that the virus spreads both within and between species, with outbreaks more frequent than previously believed.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine successfully targeted and destroyed HIV-infected cells in mice using radioimmunotherapy. The treatment aims to eliminate the virus-infected cells that make infections chronic, potentially leading to a cure for HIV-infected patients.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism by which Filoviruses, including Ebola and Marburg, cause immunosuppression. By targeting specific amino acid sequences, new drugs may be developed to disrupt the virus's ability to shut down the immune system.
A Tulane University study suggests that bats may have been responsible for the origin of the deadly Marburg hemorrhagic fever outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The research identified multiple genetic variants of the virus, indicating repeated introductions from a primary reservoir rather than person-to-person spread.
Researchers studied gorilla population during Ebola outbreak and found transmission between groups led to high mortality rate. The study suggests ape-to-ape transmission plays a significant role in the spread of the virus.
Researchers developed a peptide, D6R, that blocks lethal toxins of anthrax by inhibiting furin activity. The peptide has shown promising therapeutic potential against various bacterial infections, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Ebola, without invoking a cytokine response.
Researchers have developed a vaccine that prevents haemorrhagic fever developing in monkeys infected with the deadly Marburg virus. The vaccine was found to be highly effective as a post-exposure treatment, with all treated monkeys surviving for at least 80 days.
A new experimental vaccine has been shown to protect nonhuman primates against Marburg virus infection, even when administered after exposure. The study found that all treated monkeys survived for at least 80 days, while controls succumbed to the disease within 12 days.
Researchers identify matrix protein as critical component in VSV's ability to invade cells and replicate, leading to potential vaccine development and anti-viral agents. The discovery also provides insights into how viruses shut down cell protein-making capabilities.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health have developed a rapid and highly sensitive diagnostic test for pathogens responsible for disease outbreaks. The new test, known as MassTag PCR, can simultaneously identify multiple agents and reduce the time needed for differential diagnosis.
A Phase 1 trial of an Ebola DNA vaccine demonstrated strong immune responses in all fully vaccinated volunteers. The vaccine, developed by Vical, was well-tolerated and showed effectiveness against Ebola-specific antibodies.
Researchers used novel antisense drugs to interrupt normal Ebola virus replication, showing protection in non-human primates. The therapy directly targets the virus and may be more potent than current anti-viral treatments.
Researchers analyzed genetic data and outbreak patterns to find that the Zaire strain of Ebola virus is spreading as a wave from its first epidemic in Yambuku, Gabon. This suggests that the virus may reach populated areas within 1-2 years and devastated gorilla populations in 3-6 years.
This book explores the progress of medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology, highlighting its potential to fight major global health concerns like Ebola fever and the human immunodeficiency virus. It also examines regulatory issues, public perceptions, and the social acceptance of this rapidly growing technology.
Researchers at UGA College of Veterinary Medicine have identified a new way to combat viral diseases by blocking a protein that helps transport viruses out of cells. This approach, targeting the host gene Rab9, shows promise in preventing the replication of four different viruses: Marburg, Ebola, HIV-1, and measles.
Researchers have discovered a strain of the C. elegans nematode worm that can replicate animal viruses, allowing for a better understanding of how hosts control viral infections. The findings also reveal an antiviral response known as RNA silencing or RNA interference, which breaks down virus RNA.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that inhibitors of cellular enzyme cathepsin L prevent the SARS virus from entering target cells. This breakthrough discovery could lead to the development of new therapeutics against the SARS virus.
Researchers identified a cell receptor called Ephrin-B2 as the key used by the Nipah virus to unlock cells, allowing them to develop vaccines and drugs to block viral entry. The discovery could help prevent infection and outbreaks of this deadly virus.
Millions of wild animals pass through markets each year, increasing the risk of disease transmission. The study highlights the need to regulate and eliminate the global wildlife trade to prevent the spread of diseases among humans, domestic animals, and ecosystems.
A promising new vaccine candidate has shown protection against Lassa fever in macaque monkeys, offering hope for a potential vaccine. The vaccine's effectiveness and safety will need to be further assessed in larger studies.
A new experimental vaccine has shown promising results in protecting nonhuman primates from Lassa fever. The vaccine, developed using a non-pathogenic form of vesicular stomatitis virus as a carrier, has been successfully tested with all vaccinated monkeys surviving infection.
Emerging diseases can move between species, mutating into more virulent forms; WCS proposes 'One World, One Health' concept to prevent outbreaks. The global trade in wildlife poses a significant challenge, with estimated $100 billion losses due to livestock pathogens and pandemic diseases.
Researchers have identified a specific region on the yellow fever virus protein that elicits an immune response, which could help improve existing vaccines and reduce severe side effects. The study found that antibodies produced by the immune system interact with this part of the protein to fight off infection.
The researchers created 'nanobarcodes' that can be read by computer scanners or observed under fluorescent light microscopes, allowing for the simultaneous identification of multiple pathogens. The technology has potential applications in genomic research, clinical diagnosis, and environmental monitoring.
Researchers have developed a new vaccine that is 100 percent effective in protecting monkeys from infection with deadly viruses Ebola and Marburg. The vaccine targets dendritic cells, which are the same cells attacked by these viruses.
NIAID has awarded $27 million to institutions and companies to develop medical countermeasures against Category A bioterror agents, including botulinum toxin and Ebola. The awards will support the development of new treatments and therapies using promising scientific discoveries.