Researchers found camels to be the primary reservoir of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), shedding the virus in their nasal secretions for up to 35 days. Vaccinating camels may reduce transmission risk to people and other camels.
Two researchers from the Technical University of Munich have won an International Space Station Research Competition to study the structure of Hepatitis C virus proteins in microgravity. The project aims to identify new targets for medications and could lead to breakthroughs in treating the disease, which is prevalent in Egypt.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Institute have discovered new cellular factors essential for CCHFV infection, revealing the site where a drug therapy would need to act. The findings suggest that multivesicular bodies are critical for CCHFV replication and hold promise for broad-spectrum antiviral treatments.
Researchers led by the University of Bonn have found that the MERS virus has a low transmission rate from person to person, but is still a deadly disease. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, also suggests that dromedaries may be an additional source of infection.
Researchers at the NIH have developed a new animal model of severe Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in marmosets. This model closely mimics the severe pneumonia experienced by people infected with MERS-CoV, making it an ideal option for testing potential treatments.
Scientists have isolated a mutated polio virus that can evade the immune system and render vaccinations ineffective. This discovery is alarming as it threatens to undermine progress made in eradicating polio, which has been nearly eradicated thanks to effective vaccination.
Researchers at Duke University have successfully used CRISPR gene-editing to target and destroy two HPV genes responsible for cervical cancer cell growth. By hijacking the bacterial defense system, they were able to selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells intact.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have trapped the part of a virus responsible for inserting its DNA into human cells, a crucial step in understanding how HIV infects people. By capturing integrase with x-ray crystallography, scientists aim to develop new treatments and better understand how existing drugs work.
A new drug, AL-8176, has been shown to safely reduce RSV viral load and clinical illness in healthy adult volunteers. The Phase 2 challenge study achieved primary and secondary endpoints of lower viral load and improvements in symptom scores.
Researchers found genetic fragments of MERS-CoV in air samples from a camel barn, suggesting short or intermittent shedding of the virus. The study emphasizes the importance of preventing possible airborne transmission and highlights the risk of camel-to-human transmission.
Researchers have identified six potential therapeutics for H7N9 influenza by targeting the immune response rather than the virus. The study found that viruses causing severe illness trigger different gene expression signatures compared to milder infections.
Scientists have discovered that the HIV viral reservoir is established remarkably early after infection, posing new challenges for its eradication. The study found that the reservoir was seeded in tissues within days of infection, before detectable virus was present in the blood.
Researchers found that prior colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae protected mice from severe disease and pneumonia. The protective effect was linked to the bacterial virulence factor pneumolysin, which reduced inflammation in the lungs.
Dr. Christof von Kalle has received a Pioneer Award from Human Gene Therapy for his leadership and accomplishments in the field of cell and gene therapy. He is recognized for his seminal contribution to vector integration, a critical feature of retro- and lentivirus-based vectors.
Scientists have discovered that Lassa virus uses a two-step process to enter cells, involving the transport of the virus to a lysosome and the binding to an interior cell receptor called LAMP1. This finding could lead to new approaches for preventing the disease.
The Festschrift issue honors Dr. Koprowski's pioneering work on vaccines, including the oral polio vaccine, and its impact on cancer biology research. Dr. Koprowski's achievements have been recognized by CASIS, which enabled visionaries to explore life science research in microgravity environments.
Research found that equine influenza viruses from the early 2000s can easily infect dog respiratory tracts, while those from the 1960s replicate poorly. The study suggests that canine and human influenza viruses can mix, generating new viruses that could pose a pandemic risk.
Scientists at HZI have shown that herpesviruses like KSHV and MHV68 modulate the TLR-induced proinflammatory cytokine response, allowing them to remain within the body for a long time. The researchers discovered that the virus actively prevents activation of the innate immune system through Toll-like receptors.
A team of scientists at the Gladstone Institutes has identified a new way to make latent HIV reveal itself by increasing its gene expression noise. This approach, known as the 'shock and kill' method, holds great promise for treating latent HIV infection.
Researchers at SLU's Institute for Molecular Virology have discovered a small fragment of adenovirus that can repress HER2 cell growth and kill breast cancer cells. The discovery offers a promising new therapy for the deadly disease, which affects 20-30% of breast cancers.
Scientists have discovered how hepatitis C virus proteins interact within human cells, revealing a better understanding of viral replication and pathogenesis. This knowledge paves the way for developing new antiviral substances with low cellular toxicity.
Scientists confirm camel to human transmission of MERS coronavirus, with viruses from infected humans and camels in the same region showing nearly identical RNA sequences. This suggests a zoonotic transmission pathway, allowing for specific reaction measures such as vaccinations.
Researchers at Penn Vet have identified several compounds that can reduce a virus' ability to spread infection, making it easier for the immune system to control. The compounds target specific interactions between viral proteins and host cells, potentially reducing mortality rates for diseases like Ebola and HIV.
Dr. Richard Plemper is developing novel therapeutics against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection. He aims to identify an anti-RSV drug and at least one distinct alternative compound to address the unmet clinical need for RSV therapeutics.
Researchers identified a novel antiviral agent that blocks influenza infection in cell culture without developing resistance. The study suggests the potential of small molecule MK2206 as an effective treatment option for Tamiflu-resistant pH1N1 virus infections.
The study found that HPV disrupts host-cell genes and chromosomes at sites of viral insertion, leading to overexpression or disruption of cancer-causing genes. This damage promotes the development of cancer by increasing the expression of viral E6 and E7 proteins.
Researchers discovered that microRNA-135b (miR-135b) is overexpressed in both mouse and human colorectal tumors, associated with poor clinical outcomes. The study suggests that miR-135b could be a valuable target for colorectal cancer treatment and a biomarker of tumor progression.
Researchers have discovered that the bicolored shrew acts as a 'pathogen reservoir' for the Borna virus, transmitting it to horses. The virus is not directly contagious and requires an intermediate host to spread, highlighting the importance of keeping shrews away from stables to prevent transmission.
Research warns of a potential catastrophic epidemic in the Americas due to chikungunya's high transmission rates. The FIFA World Cup is expected to bring more people together, increasing the risk of disease spread.
Researchers at the University of York and University of Leeds have developed a mathematical model that explains the molecular mechanisms behind virus assembly. The discovery opens up possibilities for the development of anti-viral therapies and could help treat diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Norovirus, and the Common Cold.
Researchers have identified a subclass of antibodies associated with an effective immune response to an HIV vaccine. The study provides key insights that could aid the development of new vaccines, focusing on understanding the underlying quality of the immune response.
Quail and chickens are likely sources of infection for the H7N9 influenza virus, according to a study published in the Journal of Virology. The research found that quail efficiently transmitted the virus, while other poultry species were resistant or did not become infected.
A multi-institutional team, led by Rachel Whitaker, studies host-viral interactions to understand how viruses can protect hosts from competitors and aid in survival. The research aims to develop a theoretical model of eco-evolutionary dynamics between viruses and microbes.
A UCLA-led team of researchers has found evidence that photosensitizing a virus's membrane covering can inhibit its ability to enter cells. This process could lead to the development of stronger, cheaper medications to fight a host of tough viruses.
Researchers found that byproducts of two bacteria causing gum disease promote the growth of Kaposi's sarcoma-related lesions and tumors in the mouth. High levels of these bacteria are associated with periodontal disease, while healthy gums show lower levels.
Scientists have discovered a way to selectively degrade viral DNA in the cell nucleus of infected liver cells, opening up new treatment options for hepatitis B. This breakthrough may allow for the development of a treatment that can heal hepatitis B without damaging the host cell.
Researchers have discovered that cells in the olfactory bulb release signaling molecules that trigger anti-viral interferon production in uninfected brain regions, preventing virus spread. The study shows promising potential for understanding and treating brain-infectious diseases.
Researchers from Helmholtz Munich demonstrate that geranium extracts inhibit HIV-1 virus replication by blocking attachment to host cells. The extracts contain polyphenols with high anti-HIV-1 activity, making them a promising lead for phytomedicine against HIV-1.
Researchers have discovered a potential cure for triple negative breast cancer using a vaccinia virus engineered to make cancer cells produce radioiodine. The discovery, published in The FASEB Journal, has shown promising results in laboratory experiments and offers new hope for treating deadly and resistant forms of cancer.
The new open access journal Pathogenesis will publish peer-reviewed original research and high-quality reviews in various areas of pathology. It aims to provide a platform for researchers and clinicians to share their work quickly and widely, promoting excellence in pathology.
Researchers at Florida State University have made groundbreaking findings on a bacteriophage that infects nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The study reveals novel details about the virus's DNA and physical structure, shedding light on how it invades and impacts bacteria.
A PDL-1 antibody could help the immune system fight off influenza viral infection by blocking its impact on T cells, which are crucial for a effective response. The study found that treating mice with an antibody against PD-1 significantly improved their ability to clear the virus.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have identified the precise chain of molecular events driving CD4 T cell death in HIV-infected individuals, leading to AIDS. They also discovered an existing anti-inflammatory drug that blocks this process, paving the way for a Phase 2 clinical trial.
University of Minnesota researchers have discovered a series of compounds with anti-HIV activity that block HIV DNA synthesis or induce lethal mutagenesis. The compounds, known as ribonucleoside analogs, stop the replication and spread of HIV by preventing it from reproducing.
The study reveals how lymphotoxins control the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the gut, maintaining immunological balance. Lacking lymphotoxins can lead to reduced or halted IgA production and changes in intestinal flora.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found avian H2N2 influenza A viruses from the 1957-1958 pandemic can infect human cells and spread among ferrets, posing a risk to those under 50 who lack immunity to the virus
A new aggressive HIV strain, A3/02, has been identified in West Africa and is associated with a shorter period of five years from infection to AIDS development. The study also highlights the increasing global spread of recombinant HIV forms, which can be more vigorous and aggressive than traditional strains.
A recent study estimates the global death toll from the 2009 H1N1 outbreak to be up to 203,000 respiratory deaths, significantly higher than the World Health Organization's initial count of 18,449 laboratory-confirmed cases. The pandemic disproportionately affected younger people and certain regions, such as the Americas.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered how flu viruses exploit a mucus-rich barrier to infect cells, and found that blocking neuraminidase activity could prevent infection. This finding could lead to new drugs or therapies that more effectively inhibit viral activity.
The University of Illinois has won Grand Challenges Explorations grants to develop a single-dose vaccine for multiple animal diseases and a system to study the microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium. This funding aims to address pressing disease problems in developing nations, improving animal health and productivity.
Scientists have solved the structure of a key protein in the Nipah virus, which could lead to the development of an antiviral drug. The discovery was made by a team at the Scripps Research Institute and found similarities with measles and mumps viruses.
A recent study led by Ohio State University researchers reveals that the virus that causes cervical cancer can directly damage host DNA and contribute to cancer development. The study used whole-genome sequencing to investigate the relationship between HPV and human genomes in cancers.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered molecular signals that activate latent HIV, offering a potential strategy to purge viral infections and develop a cure. The study suggests using calcineurin, prostratin, and NF-κB proteins to activate the dormant virus.
Scientists have isolated a live SARS-like virus from Chinese horseshoe bats, providing evidence for direct transmission. The discovery highlights the importance of surveillance and research programs targeting high-risk wildlife groups to predict and prevent pandemics.
A team of scientists isolated a live virus from horseshoe bats in China, confirming them as the origin of the SARS-CoV. The discovery will help governments design effective prevention strategies for similar epidemics.
Researchers have discovered that monoclonal antibodies can effectively treat HIV by directly targeting free virus and virally infected cells. The treatment resulted in rapid decline of virus levels in monkeys and boosted their immune responses against the virus, offering a potential new therapy option for humans.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have created a highly detailed structural model of the rhinovirus C, which is responsible for up to half of all childhood colds. The new model shows that the virus has distinct surface features that make it difficult for drugs to effectively target it.
A new HIV vaccine has demonstrated partial protection against simian-human immunodeficiency virus in rhesus monkeys, with an 87-90% reduction in infection rate. The vaccine uses optimized antigens that mount antibody and cellular immune responses to diverse strains of the virus.
Researchers found that tumors release factors into the bloodstream that inhibit muscle fiber repair, leading to muscle loss in cancer patients. The study identifies new strategies and drug targets for treating cancer cachexia, a condition that causes life-threatening weight loss and lean muscle mass loss.
Researchers identify Chinese strain as origin of emerging US swine virus with high mortality rates, emphasizing the need for strict biosecurity and sanitation procedures on farms. The study found that the US strains share 99.5% of their genetic code with their Chinese counterpart, indicating a possible evolutionary origin from bats.