Researchers have identified a crucial host protein, SND1, that plays a key role in SARS-CoV-2 replication. The virus uses its own protein NSP9 as a primer for RNA synthesis, which is facilitated by SND1 binding to negative-sense viral RNA.
A new study uses a simple leaf-swabbing technique to detect over 50 species of mammals, birds, and frogs in a single cotton bud. The technique reveals an average of nearly eight animal species per swab, showcasing its potential for informing wildlife management strategies.
A team of researchers from the USA, England, Australia, and Germany will collaborate on a three-year project to better understand the information processing in germinal centres of lymph nodes. The goal is to gain insights into antibody formation and develop targeted therapeutics for infections.
A global study found that chronic hepatitis B virus infection affects approximately 248 million people worldwide, with a disproportionately high burden in some countries. The prevalence of the disease varies significantly between countries, with up to 20% of the population infected in certain regions.
Scientists from HIPS and HZI discover cyclohexylgriselimycin, a variant of griselimycin, effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis with low risk of resistance development. The new agent targets DNA clamp, preventing bacterial proliferation and offering potential therapeutic approach to drug-resistant tuberculosis.
The CRISPR-Cas9 system has revolutionized genome engineering by providing a precise and efficient method for making site-specific changes to the genome. Its applications extend from developing new therapies for genetic disorders to changing the pace of agricultural research.
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.
Scientists investigated the malaria pathogen's cellular skeleton using high-resolution structural biology methods. They discovered two versions of actin protein with different structures and behaviors, which may contribute to designing tailored anti-malarial medication.
A study published in Cell Death & Disease found that an overabundance of c-FLIPR protein disrupts the immune system's balance. Researchers discovered that this imbalance leads to autoantibodies attacking the body's own tissues, resulting in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus.
A team of researchers has demonstrated the advantages of the HOPE fixation strategy, which preserves tissue structure while allowing modern analysis techniques like proteomics and phospho-proteomics. This breakthrough enables personalized medicine and opens up new opportunities for disease research and therapy.
Researchers find trimethoprim to be an effective antibiotic against streptococcal infections in some regions, with a lower frequency of resistance than previously believed. The study also identifies three causes for rapid spread of resistance, highlighting the need for responsible antibiotic use.
Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research find that interferon-beta inhibits neutrophil migration into tumors, reducing new blood vessel formation and tumor growth. This discovery could improve treatment options for certain cancers.
Researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research found that mice lacking Tmprss2 protein are protected against certain flu viruses, including H1N1. This discovery highlights a potential new approach to treating flu infections by targeting the host's metabolism.
Researchers from Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research have discovered a new dual-RNA guided enzyme Cas9 that enhances the potential of exploiting bacterial immune systems for genome engineering. The CRISPR-Cas system has been shown to be faster, more precise and cheaper than existing technologies.
Scientists have discovered a molecule called CNFy produced by the bacteria Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, which facilitates the infection process by manipulating the host cells' molecular switches. This allows the bacteria to inject toxins into immune cells more efficiently, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research found that lymph nodes in certain locations produce more regulatory T cells, which mediate tolerance to harmless substances. This 'location-specific memory' is crucial for maintaining the balance of the immune system and preventing autoimmune diseases.
Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research discovered natural killer cells have optimal immune response balance, having less active NK cells during early stages of infection improves survival. The overproduction of interferon IFN-γ can block recruitment of neutrophilic granulocytes, leading to fatal sepsis.
Scientists discover protein c-FLIP-R that confers protection on immune cells against apoptosis, a type of cellular suicide. The discovery reveals mice with elevated c-FLIP levels are less susceptible to Listeria infections, sparking hope for potential therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research identify diverse CRISPR-Cas gene variants, opening possibilities for targeted genetic manipulation and medical applications. These newly discovered gene variations can be used to develop novel therapies, including gene editing.
Researchers at Helmholtz Centre and Technische Universität Darmstadt discover protein C4BP with eight 'arms' similar to a spider's web. This structure allows for potential use as a scaffold for drug transport, targeting pathogens more effectively.
Researchers at Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland have discovered a new peptide that inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase, preventing DNA-to-RNA transcription. The peptide, P07, shows promise as a potential new antibiotic with a unique mechanism of action that does not lead to cross-resistance.
Researchers found that B cells improve antibody molecules through a process of somatic hypermutation, increasing selection pressure on their own products. This mechanism could accelerate vaccination methods by producing optimal antibodies earlier.
Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and TWINCORE are studying patient samples to find biomarkers for infectious diseases. The new antibiotic GSK1322322 targets gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA, with minor adverse effects in Phase I clinical trials.
Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research discovered that antibodies are essential for dendritic cell maturation, a process critical to the immune response against pathogens. The study highlights the complex interplay between innate and acquired immunity, showing how antibodies facilitate communication between immune cells.
Research reveals IkBNS promotes formation of Foxp3, key feature of regulatory T cells, and influences NFkB family of transcription factors. Manipulating IkBNS could lead to therapeutic breakthroughs for autoimmune diseases and inflammation.
A team of immunologists found that the flu virus alters host immune systems, compromising its capacity to effectively fight off bacterial infections. The molecule TLR7 recognizes viral genomes and signals scavenger cells to ingest fewer bacteria, leading to increased risk of superinfections.
Scientists identified a protein called p38 that alters another molecule, Atg5, to block the final step of autophagy, preventing cell damage. Defective molecules of the Atg family are implicated in inflammatory bowel disease.
Research reveals long-term consequences of chronic CMV infection on the immune system, including weakened responses to other viruses and increased susceptibility to infections. The study shows that prolonged CMV presence contributes to immune ageing, making older individuals more prone to infectious diseases.
An international team of scientists found that asymmetric division of antibody-producing B cells speeds up the body's immune defenses by creating optimized antibodies. This process, called the 'recycling hypothesis,' allows the immune system to produce highly effective antibodies against specific pathogens.