The University of Missouri has received a significant grant from the NIH to develop new hepatitis B treatments. Researchers will focus on targeting the viral capsid, which is crucial for HBV's lifecycle and stability. The goal is to create therapeutic strategies that not only suppress the virus but also have the potential to eradicate it.
A study of 130 pregnant Sudanese women found a significant link between Rift Valley fever virus infection and miscarriage. The risk of miscarriage was seven times greater for infected women compared to those without the infection.
A Brazilian study found that some cases of Zika virus may be misreported as dengue, leading to an underestimate of the epidemic's size. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 800 people treated for suspected dengue and found over 100 positive for Zika.
Researchers have successfully grown norovirus in laboratory cultures of human intestinal epithelial cells, paving the way for further studies on prevention, treatment, and control of norovirus infections. This achievement represents a significant step forward in understanding human gastroenteritis viruses.
A new study suggests that cancer in sub-Saharan Africa is linked to malaria and Epstein-Barr virus, particularly in children born to mothers with malaria during pregnancy. This increased risk of infection may lead to early exposure and a weakened immune system, making it harder for the body to manage the virus.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have successfully grown human noroviruses in laboratory cultures of human intestinal epithelial cells by adding bile to the cultures. This breakthrough allows researchers to explore and develop procedures to prevent and treat infection, as well as better understand norovirus biology.
Researchers discovered that WhiB6 regulates the ESX-1 secretion system and DosR regulon, enabling mycobacteria to form persistent granulomas and maintain virulence.
Researchers have found that common cold coronaviruses originate from camels, similar to the MERS virus. The study suggests a potential scenario for MERS emergence and highlights the need for a vaccine against MERS.
The VesiVax system uses virus-like particles to induce strong immune responses against various diseases. Dr. Qizhi Cathy Yao is developing better adjuvants for pancreatic cancer and Chagas disease using the system.
Researchers have identified two Zika proteins responsible for thousands of microcephaly cases in Brazil and elsewhere. These proteins stunt brain development and promote autophagy, leading to reduced neural stem cell differentiation and growth.
Plant scientists found that the cucumber mosaic virus alters gene expression in tomato plants, changing their scent to attract bumblebees. This indirect manipulation may help the virus spread pollen of susceptible plants, benefiting both the plant and the virus.
A new virus, largemouth bass reovirus, has been discovered in association with a 2015 fish kill in Pine Lake, Wisconsin. The virus is a distant relative of known pathogens and makes the species a key suspect in fish mortality.
Two vaccine candidates have shown complete protection against the Zika virus in rhesus monkeys, with no adverse effects observed. The findings, published in the journal Science, provide a promising lead for developing a safe and effective human vaccine to combat this mosquito-borne disease.
A new study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has confirmed that certain strains of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) can infect human cells, supporting a hypothesis that HIV originated from chimpanzee transmission. The research found that SIV strains with genetic similarities to HIV-1 M were more likely to infect humans.
Scientists at Cornell University have developed a model system to test drugs against feline herpes virus 1 (FHV-1) in cats. Early results show that the antiretroviral drug raltegravir is effective against FHV-1, even when administered once daily.
Researchers from UCLA have discovered a type of cell called chimeric antigen receptors that can be used to kill HIV-infected cells. CARs are artificially created immune T cells engineered to produce receptors designed to target and kill specific cells containing viruses or tumor proteins.
Researchers at UW-Madison and Purdue University have solved the atomic structure of rhinovirus C, a cold virus linked to severe asthma and respiratory infections in children. The findings provide a foundation for future antiviral drug and vaccine development against the virus.
Scientists discover galectin-9 potently forces latent HIV out of hiding and poisons the virus, increasing APOBEC3G levels to destroy genetic code. This 'shock and kill' strategy holds promise for a cure, altering treatment approach to eliminate all viral traces from the body.
A new variant of the emerging antibiotic resistance mechanism mcr-1 has been discovered on a multidrug-resistant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae, which was isolated from a child hospitalized with leukemia. The newly identified gene, mcr-1.2, confers resistance to colistin, a last-resort antibiotic.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers has identified distinct structural features among seven types of retroviruses, including HIV and HTLV-1. The findings could inform the development of new antiviral treatments and vaccines for various diseases caused by these viruses.
Research funded by NIAID found that Zika virus lingers in pregnant animals for at least 57 days, but provides immunity against future infections. Non-pregnant monkeys cleared the virus within 10 days of infection.
A new study published in Nature demonstrates complete protection against the Zika virus in mice using two different vaccine candidates. The researchers showed that a single dose of either a DNA vaccine or a purified inactivated virus vaccine provides complete protection, similar to existing vaccines for other flaviviruses.
Researchers have discovered two antibodies that can efficiently neutralize both dengue and Zika viruses, sharing identical binding sites on their viral envelopes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a single vaccine offering protection against both diseases.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have discovered that the Rift Valley fever virus uses the Wnt signaling pathway to hijack host machinery and cause infection. This mechanism offers a promising new target for developing therapeutics against this deadly virus, which can cause fatal hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever.
Scientists from Gladstone Institutes identified salicylic acid's cancer-fighting properties by inhibiting epigenetic regulators p300 and CBP. Salicylic acid suppresses inflammation and cell growth, offering new clinical possibilities for drugs like aspirin and diflunisal.
A new approach predicts the antigenic evolution of circulating influenza viruses, enabling a closer match for vaccine viruses and potentially improving vaccine effectiveness. The method identifies clusters of viruses featuring novel mutations, which can predict the molecular characteristics of next seasonal influenza virus.
Researchers have identified an experimental antiviral drug that slows down Zika virus development in mice. The study suggests the drug may provide protection against Zika-induced symptoms and microcephaly in pregnant women.
A new cancer immunotherapy approach combines the power of tumor-fighting immune cells with fewer side effects. By converting T regulatory (Treg) cells into T effector (Teff) cells, this method targets tumors while protecting healthy tissues.
Researchers at Umea University have discovered that mosquito larvae in the Västerbotten region carry viruses that can cause infectious disease, including Sindbis virus and Inkoo virus. These findings indicate that the viruses can be transferred from female mosquitoes to their eggs.
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have solved the structure of a common virus's biological machinery, revealing important traits in Lassa virus. The research provides valuable insights into how to defend against its deadly cousin, Lassa fever, and may lead to the development of new treatments.
A new study reveals how retroviral DNA insertion complexes hunt for suitable spots and insert rapidly, with search times exceeding 2-3 seconds and insertion happening in under half a second at chosen sites. The findings could improve treatments for HIV infection and make gene therapy safer and more efficient.
The EDGE project, funded by HORIZON 2020, trains 15 Ph.D. students from 5 European countries in virology and immunology to tackle herpes virus challenges.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that SPF30 sunscreens delayed melanoma onset in a mouse model by 80% when applied prior to UVB light exposure. The study suggests the potential of these sunscreens as effective melanoma-preventing agents.
A surface mutation in canine parvovirus (CPV) allows it to infect hosts of different species, including wild forest-dwelling animals like raccoons. This critical step increases the virus's ability to spread.
A new study demonstrates that community-based non-specialist providers can safely and effectively treat Hepatitis C patients. The study found that 285 out of 304 patients achieved SVR12, with no significant difference between providers in achieving this outcome.
A study in monkeys exposed to SIV reveals what happens in the very earliest stages of infection, providing insights into vaccine development and prevention. The findings suggest a narrow window of opportunity to contain or eliminate the virus.
Researchers identify two distinct HSV-1 virus strains in an individual, revealing their European/North American and Asian origins. The discovery opens doors to tracing a person's life history using genetic fingerprinting of viral genomes.
Researchers found genetic material from the Zika virus can be detected in pregnant women months after infection, indicating potential fetal brain damage. The study also isolated infectious Zika virus from fetal tissue and discovered new mutations that may be linked to the virus's impact on the fetus.
Researchers at UGA and Sanofi Pasteur have developed a vaccine that protects against multiple strains of seasonal and pandemic H1N1 influenza in mouse models. The COBRA vaccine was designed to recognize H1N1 viruses isolated within the last 100 years, offering broader cross-protection.
Researchers at Sanofi Pasteur have published pre-clinical data on a novel, computationally optimized broadly reactive hemagglutinin vaccine for H1N1 influenza viruses. The vaccine strategy elicited a broad antibody response against seasonal and pandemic isolates in mice, demonstrating its potential as a 'subtype universal' vaccine.
Researchers at the University of Kent have identified a new form of Ebolavirus that may cause human disease. The study suggests that only a few changes in a specific protein are necessary to render the Reston virus into a health threat.
Researchers have found that the RNA virus bovine viral diarrhea virus relies on host miRNAs, specifically miR-17 and let-7, to replicate. Inhibiting this interaction may provide an effective target for developing new drugs to control BVDV.
A new hospital-based rapid detection test for the Zika virus is now available, allowing for quicker diagnosis and testing in a large metropolitan area. The test can detect Zika virus-specific RNA sequences directly, enabling healthcare providers to offer rapid answers to anxious patients.
Researchers developed a designer recombinase called Brec1 that can specifically remove the provirus from most primary HIV-1 isolates. The approach has shown promise as a potential new therapy for HIV, with antiviral effects without measurable cytotoxic or genotoxic side effects.
The Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen has been awarded 14 ERC grants, with three scientists receiving 6 million euros. Dr. Daniel Razansky is investigating non-invasive brain imaging methods, while Dr. Irmela Jeremias focuses on targeted tumor treatment and Dr. Mathias Heikenwaelder explores immune system interactions in liver disease.
Researchers at Adimab isolated a broad panel of neutralizing anti-Ebola virus antibodies from a survivor of the 2014 outbreak. The study highlights the speed and effectiveness of Adimab's single B cell isolation platform, which was able to identify over 300 monoclonal antibodies within weeks of receiving a blood sample.
University of Leeds researchers will run computer software to identify compounds that could be the basis of antivirals for Ebola. The project focuses on finding effective anti-viral drugs, as vaccines are not yet available to treat infected patients.
Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München discover that Cistus incanus extracts prevent human immunodeficiency viruses from infecting cells and block Ebola- and Marburg viral envelope proteins. The study demonstrates broad antiviral activity of Ci extracts against various major human viral pathogens.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers identified the mechanism of 5-azacytidine, a DNA-based drug that blocks HIV's ability to spread. The drug converts to a DNA form and infiltrates HIV when it turns RNA into DNA, stopping replication.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a way to freeze cancer-causing Epstein-Barr virus in its tracks. By triggering senescence, a suspended state of the cell, the virus's advance can be halted, providing new hope for controlling the disease.
Researchers at Institut Pasteur in French Guiana have sequenced the complete genome of the Zika virus, showing almost complete homology with strains responsible for the 2013-2014 Pacific epidemic. The analysis provides a major starting point for understanding how the virus behaves and shedding light on its impact.
A recent study by Dr. Anthony Griffiths reveals that the Ebola virus has a high frequency of spontaneous mutation, which could prove useful for developing therapies. Increasing the mutation rate may make the virus non-viable, providing a potential therapeutic tool against the disease.
Researchers discovered a molecular 'arms race' between Ebola virus and African straw-colored fruit bats that may have started over 25 million years ago. The study sheds light on the biological factors determining which bat species harbor the virus, with potential applications for preventing future outbreaks.
Researchers found that flaviviruses target peroxisomes to subvert the body's early antiviral defenses. The degradation of protein Pex19 leads to a loss of interferon production, making cells more vulnerable to viral infection.
Researchers have discovered a compound that induces genes to control infection in several known viruses, including West Nile and Ebola. The findings show promising evidence for creating a broad-spectrum antiviral that can suppress a range of RNA viruses.
A recent study identified 20 previously unknown host molecules that enable influenza A viruses to replicate and spread. Blocking these host proteins can inhibit viral growth and slow disease progression in mice. The researchers developed a public web portal to facilitate drug development and analysis of host-protein interactions.
Researchers have uncovered the atomic-level structure of the bluetongue virus, providing a detailed understanding of its mechanism of entry into host cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective vaccines and treatments against this devastating disease.
Human cells have evolved mechanisms to detect and respond to latent herpesvirus infections, but the virus has developed ways to evade these defenses. The study identifies a viral protein that blocks cellular proteins from reactivating the infection.
Researchers have found that Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus can infect and replicate in human neurons. This discovery suggests viral infection could underlie at least some symptoms of brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at National Research Tomsk State University found that neoadjuvant chemotherapy can stimulate evolution of the tumor, leading to resistance and metastasis. The study analyzed biopsies from women with breast cancer before and after surgery, revealing a 23% increase in new tumor formation.