A molecule naturally produced by the immune system protects mice and monkeys against Zika virus infection, reducing fetal brain damage and microcephaly. Administering 25-hydroxycholesterol to pregnant mice also protected them from Zika-induced developmental defects.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has found no evidence of increased transmissibility or sustainable human-to-human transmission of the highly pathogenic A(H7N9) virus. New genetic mutations have been detected, but their impact on poultry and human risk remains unclear.
Researchers found that monkeys suppressed HIV-like virus SHIV after receiving dual-antibody treatment, which enabled their immune systems to control the virus long after the antibodies were gone. The study suggests a potential approach to treating HIV and other infections.
A Georgia State University researcher has received a five-year grant to develop a new drug targeting the Ebola virus. The goal is to find compounds that block the growth of Ebola virus by inhibiting its viral machinery.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown virus affecting parasitoid wasp species, reducing female offspring and extending lifespan. The discovery has implications for understanding viral transmission in insects.
A study published in the Public Library of Science Pathogens found that Zika virus targets neuronal, lymph, joint, muscle and genital/urinary/reproductive tissues, persisting for at least 35 days. The research provides insights into the growth and distribution of the virus in human tissues.
Researchers studied 19 virus families and found that cross-species transmission has played a central role in their evolution. Co-divergence is relatively rare compared to cross-species jumps.
Researchers have discovered a unique protein in the Orsay virus, a nematode worm virus, that plays a crucial role in binding to cells and infecting them. The protein's molecular structure has potential antiviral applications, and its study could guide bioengineers in developing synthetic variations of the virus to target parasitic worms.
Scientists have developed a new mouse model with a healthy immune system to study the Zika virus. The model allows researchers to investigate the immune response to Zika, which could lead to advances in vaccine development and treatment strategies.
A new study investigated the potential role of North American animals as hosts for Zika virus. Researchers tested common animal species, including goats, pigeons, raccoons, and ducks, for infectious virus presence and antibodies. The findings suggest that these animals may serve as an unseen reservoir for Zika virus in urban environments.
Researchers have successfully protected mice against Zika by injecting synthetic messenger RNA that encodes for virus proteins into the animals. The vaccine triggers an immune response and prevents viral replication in 95% of the mice.
A novel mRNA vaccine has shown promise in protecting mice and monkeys against Zika virus infection. The vaccine, which uses messenger RNA to produce Zika virus proteins, was found to be highly effective in preventing the virus in both animal models.
A study using antibodies from an elite controller has shown that a combination of three broadly neutralizing antibodies can completely suppress HIV in infected mice. The finding validates the approach of using multiple antibodies to control HIV infection, pointing towards a potential new treatment for people infected with HIV.
Researchers at Princeton University have identified a potential treatment target for the hepatitis E virus by exploiting its ability to use proteins to escape host cells. The study found that curtailing viroporin production could prevent viral particles from spreading, providing a new avenue for antiviral drugs.
Researchers genetically engineered Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to resist dengue fever virus by altering the JAK/STAT pathway, resulting in a 78-83% reduction in viral copies. The modified mosquitos had normal lifespans but produced fewer eggs.
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a novel strategy for controlling viral diseases by targeting the interaction between a viral effector protein and a host hormone. The study found that the cucumber mosaic virus manipulates plants to release odors attractive to aphids, which transmit the virus.
The study reveals differences in protein arrangement between immature Zika and other flaviviruses, shedding light on the virus's role in infection and disease. Understanding the structure of the immature form could help develop effective antiviral treatments and vaccines for diseases like microcephaly.
Researchers confirm live Zika virus infects reproductive tract, replicates and causes disease in mouse models. Hormonal injection timing affects vulnerability to infection, with diestrus-infected mice showing no signs of disease despite viral persistence.
Researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have developed a novel chikungunya vaccine using an insect-specific virus that doesn't affect humans. The new vaccine elicits strong immune defenses and protects mice and nonhuman primates from disease when exposed to the chikungunya virus.
Researchers have identified two neutralizing antibodies against Zika virus that exclusively target the virus, demonstrating high specificity and protecting mice from infection. These antibodies, Z23 and Z3L1, block infection by targeting the virus' envelope protein, offering potential hope for preventative and treatment approaches.
A modified rabies virus expressing a protein from the MERS virus protects mice against both diseases. The dual compound could lead to an effective human vaccine for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and prevent its spread in camels.
Researchers successfully developed a vaccine against influenza using genetically modified live virus that activates the immune system but cannot replicate in healthy cells. The new vaccine proved effective in mice, guinea pigs, and ferrets, offering an antibody response comparable to existing vaccines.
A new study has found a possible link between the Zika virus and glaucoma in infants exposed to the virus during gestation. Researchers identified a three-month-old boy with symptoms of glaucoma caused by Zika exposure, leading to successful treatment via trabeculectomy.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered how the human antibody C10 prevents Zika infection by locking proteins into place, preventing viral DNA entry. Disrupting fusion with C10 may be more effective than targeting docking in preventing Zika infection.
Researchers at UTMB have created a Zika virus replicon system that strips the virus of its infectious genes, reducing safety risks. This tool will aid in vaccine development and understanding viral replication and mutations.
Researchers discovered that hepatitis C virus induces liver cells to produce microRNAs that inhibit interferon production, blunting the body's antiviral defenses. This finding helps explain why interferon treatments fail in many patients, increasing the risk of liver cancer and treatment resistance.
Research finds that the Zika virus can survive on hard, non-porous surfaces for up to eight hours, especially when associated with blood. However, commonly used disinfectants such as isopropyl alcohol and quaternary ammonium/alcohol are effective in killing the virus in a short period.
Researchers found a protein produced by yellow fever and Zika viruses that suppresses the mosquito's immune response, allowing the virus to evade detection. This discovery could lead to new strategies for controlling mosquito-borne diseases like Zika.
Researchers at the University of Sussex have discovered how the Epstein-Barr virus controls two genes involved in cancer development, MYC and BCL2L11. The study found that the virus hijacks enhancer DNA regions to turn on or off these genes, leading to blood cancer development.
A human antibody that neutralizes Zika virus has been shown to reduce levels of the virus in placental and fetal tissues and decrease fetal disease in a mouse model of Zika infection. The findings suggest that this antibody could be developed to protect pregnant women and others from Zika-related complications.
Researchers found mutations in Ebola virus that increased its ability to infect human cells, potentially contributing to the outbreak's spread. The mutations did not affect the virus's ability to infect other mammalian species, including fruit bats.
Researchers found that Zika virus infection can severely damage the testes of male mice, causing shrinkage and reduced sperm count. The study suggests that this may have important implications for human males infected with the virus, highlighting the need for further research on reproductive health.
A new study suggests that Zika infection can cause testicular damage, leading to reduced fertility and low testosterone levels in male mice. The virus targets Sertoli cells, which are essential for maintaining the barrier between the bloodstream and the testes.
Schmallenberg virus is unlikely to be circulating in southern England, but its reappearance is possible as herd immunity decreases. The virus causes mild clinical signs in adult cattle and can damage the fetus in pregnant females, leading to abortions, stillbirths, and congenital defects.
A recent study by Emory Vaccine Center-India collaboration reveals insights into CD8 T cells' role in fighting dengue virus infection. The research shows that these immune cells expand massively but keep cytokine production under control, retaining the ability to kill virus-infected cells.
Researchers found that Zika virus disrupts fetal brain development by interfering with human neural progenitor cells, leading to microcephaly. They also identified specific small RNAs from the virus that could impact brain development and lead to microcephaly in mice.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University provide a detailed overview of Zika's history, transmission modes, and risks, including sexual transmission and miscarriage risks. The study also highlights the connection between dengue virus infection and Zika virus exacerbation.
A team of researchers has successfully isolated Zika virus from a semen sample, obtaining the first complete genome sequence of the virus in humans. The study provides valuable insights into potential sexual transmission of Zika virus, which was previously poorly understood.
Researchers found that Zika virus infection damages placental cells and enhances entry of the virus through HSV-2 receptors. Fetuses in pregnant women with HSV-2 infection are at higher risk for microcephaly and other effects caused by Zika virus.
Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München discovered a mechanism by which EBV virus suppresses alarm signals sent out by infected cells. MicroRNAs made by the virus block production of proteins that would ring the alarm, rendering killer T cells and helper T cells inactive.
Researchers found Zika virus does not multiply in Culex mosquitoes, disappearing instead, enabling targeted control strategies. The study's findings are crucial for controlling Zika in Florida and preventing its spread.
Researchers have found Zika virus genetic material in human tears and live virus in mouse eyes, raising questions about transmission through bodily fluids. The study's findings have implications for corneal transplantation and potential new diagnostic methods, such as testing tear samples for viral RNA or antibodies.
Researchers found that Zika virus can infect specific regions of the eye in adult mice, resulting in inflammation and symptoms similar to those observed in human patients. The study also raised questions about whether the virus continues to replicate in the lacrimal gland after being cleared from the body.
A new study identifies countries in Africa and Asia at greatest risk of Zika virus transmission due to climate, mosquito presence, and large populations. The analysis highlights India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as top countries, emphasizing the need for public health decision-making support.
Researchers found that female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can pass the Zika virus to their eggs and offspring. This discovery highlights the importance of using larvicides to curb the spread of the virus. The study suggests that controlling adult mosquitoes may not be enough to eliminate the virus.
Female mosquitoes can pass the Zika virus on to their eggs and offspring, bolstering the need for larvicide use as an integral part of controlling the spread of the virus. The study found that culture of adults infected with the virus resulted in a high rate of transmission to their offspring.
A study published in Cell found that Zika virus can replicate in the vaginal tissue of pregnant mice several days after infection, potentially leading to dire consequences for reproduction. The researchers also detected Zika virus in the fetal brains of infected mice, associated with fetal weight loss.
A new mouse model reveals Zika virus can replicate for extended periods in the vagina, leading to brain infection and growth restriction. Researchers also investigate potential blocking methods using the interferon pathway.
Scientists have identified a new multicomponent virus called Guaico Culex virus (GCXV) that can infect animals but not mammals. The discovery highlights the diversity of host ranges among viruses and underscores the need for continued research to better prepare for emerging diseases.
A Yale team discovered that Zika virus diverts a key protein necessary for neural cell division, causing microcephaly. Researchers found an FDA-approved drug, Sofosbuvir, may prevent Zika virus infection of neural stem cells and keep phospho-TBK1 involved in cell division.
Scientists have discovered a new class of small molecule compounds that can block the Ebola virus's ability to break out of cells and infect new ones. The compounds target an interaction between the virus and host cells, inhibiting viral egress without being toxic to human cells.
A Yale study reveals how the Zika virus crosses the maternal-fetal barrier, affecting infant brain development. Researchers found that specific placenta cells are susceptible to infection, potentially leading to fetal brain damage.
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.
A new study by NIH and its collaborators reveals that vaccination against one strain of Zika virus may be sufficient to provide protection against other genetically diverse strains. The research found that neutralizing antibodies produced in response to infection with one strain can also protect against infections caused by other strai...
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified six antibodies capable of protecting against Zika virus infection in mice, providing crucial information on how these antibodies interact with the virus. The discovery could lead to the development of a vaccine, diagnostic tests, and potentially new therapies for Zika-related diseases.
Researchers at NIH identified six Zika virus antibodies that recognize a particular Zika protein, the envelope or E protein. Two of these antibodies also protect mice from Zika infection, offering potential for prophylactic treatment approaches for pregnant women at risk of Zika virus infection.
Scientists have discovered two new strains of the HTLV-4 virus in hunters bitten by gorillas in Gabon, supporting the notion that gorillas are a major source of infectious agents. The findings suggest that gorilla bites can lead to chronic persistence of the virus in humans.
Researchers at Kansas State University's Biosecurity Research Institute are studying the relationship between Zika virus and mosquitoes to develop better controlling methods. They aim to target specific species of mosquitoes that transmit the virus, such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which are widely distributed in the U.S.
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.
New research detects Zika virus in brain and placental tissue of deceased babies and spontaneously aborted foetuses, providing early insight into the effect of Zika virus infection on foetuses. The study highlights a potential link between Zika virus infection during the first trimester of pregnancy and severe birth defects.