Researchers discovered the soft palate plays a key site for flu virus emergence and transmission, binding preferentially to mammalian-type SA, which is associated with airborne transmission. The finding may aid efforts to define properties governing flu virus transmissibility and predict pandemic potential.
Researchers at NIAID can detect infectious prion protein in mouse brains within a week of inoculation, surpassing prior detection times of six weeks. The study found that the protein was generated outside blood vessels in a specific brain region where drug treatment could be targeted.
Researchers at the NIH have successfully tested an experimental MERS vaccine in monkeys and camels, demonstrating broad protection against different strains of the virus. The vaccine uses a synthetic DNA sequence that combines elements of SARS and MERS-CoV proteins, inducing protective immunity in non-human primates.
Researchers developed an EBV vaccine using nanoparticles that induce potent neutralizing antibodies in mice and nonhuman primates. This approach is promising for developing an effective EBV vaccine for humans.
A new genomic catalog of nearly 200 viral genomes provides insight into the origins and transmission of Lassa virus. The data set confirms rodent-to-human transmission as the primary mode of infection.
A single dose of the experimental Ebola virus (EBOV) vaccine VSV-EBOV has been shown to completely protect cynomolgus macaques against the current EBOV outbreak strain, EBOV-Makona. The vaccine triggers both innate and adaptive immunity, providing partial protection if given three days prior to exposure.
The HVTN 505 study found that the candidate vaccine induced polyreactive antibodies recognizing both HIV and intestinal microbes. These non-specific antibodies may decrease vaccine effectiveness against HIV.
A two-step regimen of experimental vaccines against Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) prompted immune responses in mice and rhesus macaques, producing broadly neutralizing antibodies against multiple strains of the MERS coronavirus. Vaccinated macaques were protected from severe lung damage when later exposed to MERS-CoV.
A clinical study found that young, single black women in South Africa and men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in the US and Thailand adhered to a daily pill regimen for HIV prevention. The study suggests that daily PrEP dosing is an effective strategy for this population.
A new study found that starting antiretroviral therapy early reduces the risk of both serious AIDS-related events and serious non-AIDS-related events, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and death. The study shows a significant benefit of early treatment regardless of age, sex, or geographic region.
A new virus-like particle vaccine has been developed to protect against a wide variety of influenza viruses. The vaccine was shown to provide significant protection against many different flu strains, including avian H5N1 and H7N9 viruses, which have caused many human cases and deaths in recent years.
A US study found that most participants in an NIH-funded study took anti-HIV medication for PrEP, a strategy for HIV prevention. The study enrolled 557 men who have sex with men and transgender women at high risk for HIV infection, and showed moderate adherence to Truvada-based oral PrEP.
Dr. Fauci emphasizes the need for targeted deployment of proven prevention methods to high-transmission areas, while also reviewing effective interventions such as ART, PrEP, and treatments that prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission.
A decade-long NIH-funded trial found that antiretroviral therapy consistently suppresses HIV, greatly reducing sexual transmission to uninfected partners. The study demonstrates the enduring power of HIV-controlling treatment in protecting heterosexuals from transmission.
Research found that enhanced cholesterol metabolism in certain immune cells may help explain why some HIV-infected people naturally control disease progression. The study analyzed gene expression data from immune cells and found higher levels of cholesterol-related genes associated with defective viral transmission.
A new investigational vaccine designed to protect against West Nile Virus infection is being tested in a Phase 1 clinical trial. The vaccine was developed with a novel, hydrogen peroxide-based process that renders the virus inactive while maintaining key immune-system triggering surface structures.
Researchers have made significant progress toward developing an HIV vaccine by stimulating animals to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies. The studies, funded by NIAID, demonstrate techniques for producing antibodies that can stop HIV from infecting human cells or evolve into such antibodies.
Researchers have identified a new genetic immune disorder, DOCK2 deficiency, which causes debilitating infections and combined immunodeficiency in children. Early screening for the disease can prevent life-threatening infections, and understanding its role may inform the study of more common immune system disorders.
A new study in Liberia will investigate the long-term health consequences of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in survivors, determining if they develop immunity that protects them from future infection. The study will also assess whether previously EVD-infected individuals can transmit infection to close contacts and sexual partners.
A new study by NIH researchers compares the Makona strain of Ebola virus to the original 1976 Mayinga strain, revealing a decreased ability to cause disease in West Africa, with liver damage and rash appearing two days later than in the 1976 strain.
A major international trial found that starting antiretroviral drugs earlier reduces the risk of developing AIDS and other serious illnesses. The study supported treating everyone with HIV, regardless of CD4+ T-cell count.
HIV reservoirs are persistent cells that harbor the virus, making it difficult to achieve a cure; current therapeutic strategies focus on eliminating or controlling the virus without daily ART.
Researchers have developed a mobile phone microscope that can quickly detect parasitic worm levels in blood, enabling safe resumption of mass drug administration campaigns. The device can identify people with high levels of microfilariae in under two minutes, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
The NIH has launched a multicenter, international clinical trial to investigate the use of statins in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events among people with HIV. The trial aims to inform the best approach to preventing cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected individuals.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $8 million in grants to support research on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and related co-morbidities. The funding will support research conducted at eight South African institutions, linking scientists with U.S. researchers.
The NIH has awarded $11 million to develop diagnostic tools for hospital-associated pathogens, including those resistant to most antimicrobials. The goal is to provide rapid and efficient tests that can detect the presence of these bacteria in three hours or less.
A single infusion of the experimental 3BNC117 antibody significantly reduced HIV levels in infected individuals, with some remaining sensitive to the antibody for up to 28 days. The study's findings suggest that 3BNC117 is safe and potentially effective in controlling HIV levels.
Researchers have identified a cellular receptor, CDHR3, for rhinovirus C, a cold-causing virus strongly associated with severe asthma attacks. A variant of the gene has been linked to an increased risk of childhood wheezing illnesses and asthma.
A Phase 1 trial of VSV-ZEBOV, an experimental Ebola vaccine, found it safe and elicited robust antibody responses in all 40 healthy adults who received it. The vaccine showed a favorable safety profile with mild or moderate fever experienced by 30% of participants.
Two experimental Ebola vaccines have proven safe in a phase 2 clinical trial involving over 600 participants in Liberia. The trial may now advance to Phase 3 testing if the results are confirmed, with the ultimate goal of determining whether these vaccines can protect against Ebola virus disease.
Researchers found that certain red blood cell variants, such as HbAS, correlated with protection from malaria in early childhood. Additionally, a genetic condition known as homozygous X-linked G6PD deficiency reduced malaria risk in girls, while HbC-trait increased risk.
Researchers have found that clindamycin and TMP-SMX are equally effective in treating uncomplicated skin infections caused by community-associated MRSA. The study's findings suggest that these off-patent antibiotics can be used successfully to combat MRSA skin infections acquired outside of hospitals.
Researchers from NIH and King's College London create a reference resource for scientists studying autoimmune disorders, identifying 19 immune traits regulated by more than 240 genetic changes. This database may help design future studies and develop new treatments.
The NIH-led ASCEND study assesses the effectiveness of primary care physicians and nurse practitioners in treating people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The trial aims to determine whether these medications are similarly effective when administered in an urban, community-based setting.
The NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has launched a clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of ZMapp, an experimental Ebola treatment. The study will enroll adults and children with known Ebola infection and compare the treatment to standard care.
Scientists at the Gladstone Institutes found that HIV remains active as infected cells transition to rest, controlled by the virus's Tat protein. This independent control allows the virus to survive even if host cells are inactive, making it harder to cure the infection.
A genome-wide association study identified a genetic risk area on chromosome 6 linked to peanut allergy in US children of European descent. The study found two closely linked genes, HLA-DR and HLA-DQ, associated with epigenetic changes that may contribute to the development of peanut allergy.
A clinical trial found that introducing peanut products to the diets of infants at high risk of developing peanut allergy led to an 81% reduction in subsequent allergy development. The study, supported by NIH/NIAID, suggests a new approach to preventing peanut allergy.
The HVTN 100 trial aims to build on the RV144 results by testing a modified vaccine regimen with greater protection for southern Africa's predominant HIV subtype. The trial will enroll 252 HIV-uninfected adults and monitor safety and immune responses.
A new molecule called eCD4-Ig has shown promise in controlling HIV without daily antiretroviral drugs. The molecule, developed by NIH-funded scientists, safely protected monkeys from infection with an HIV-like virus during a 40-week study period.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is expanding its Tuberculosis Research Units (TBRU) program to improve understanding of TB latency and persistence. Four new institutions will collaborate on research projects focusing on biomarkers, metabolic factors and T cell responses to control TB.
Two new NIH-supported trials are examining the safety and acceptability of antiretroviral medicines administered via injection to prevent HIV infection. The studies aim to improve adherence and provide a potential alternative to daily pills for individuals at high risk.
A recent NIH study found that Ebola virus can remain infectious in a body for at least seven days after death, with viral RNA detectable for up to 10 weeks. The research highlights the importance of safe handling practices and suggests oral swabbing as a reliable alternative for obtaining diagnostic samples.
Researchers at NIH identified chromothripsis as the reason for a patient's spontaneous cure of WHIM syndrome. The study showed that a random deletion of mutant CXCR4 gene in stem cells led to normal neutrophil function.
The Liberia-NIH partnership is conducting a Phase 2/3 study to test the safety and efficacy of two experimental vaccines against Ebola virus infection. The trial will enroll approximately 27,000 healthy adults and those at high risk of infection, and will provide crucial information on potential countermeasures for future outbreaks.
The global AIDS community must adopt more specific and focused approaches to meet the 90-90-90 targets, which aim to eliminate AIDS by 2020. This involves identifying at-risk subpopulations, tailoring prevention tools to each population's risk profile, and developing innovative solutions.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded contracts to three organizations to conduct early-stage human clinical trials for investigational infectious disease treatments. The trials will test the safety of novel drugs against a range of emerging and re-emerging pathogens, including viruses and bacteria.
A clinical trial conducted by the NIH found that 38 out of 40 volunteers with HCV infections were cured after receiving a combination of three direct-acting oral drugs for six weeks. This short duration therapy may prove relevant for global elimination of hepatitis C, where simple and well-tolerated treatment is required.
Scientists successfully killed HIV-infected cells using a new technique that boosts killer T-cell response. The method could be used as part of an HIV cure strategy by awakening latent immune cells and generating an immune response.
Researchers found that specific commensal microbes like Staphylococcus epidermidis stimulate distinct immune cell responses without causing inflammation. This discovery helps clarify the role of skin commensals and may explain skin disorder variations.