Researchers found that estrogen enhances an enzyme driving life-threatening allergic reactions in female mice, leading to more severe and longer-lasting reactions. Blocking estrogen or reducing eNOS activity eliminated the gender disparity, suggesting a potential role for estrogen in allergic reactions.
A Phase 1B clinical trial in Uganda found the experimental vaccines safe and induced immune responses in healthy volunteers. The results are encouraging, as similar immune responses were observed compared to a previous US trial.
Researchers used positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) imaging to monitor antibiotic treatment effects in TB-infected monkeys and humans. Changes in PET/CT scans over time accurately predicted treatment outcomes, potentially shortening clinical trials and saving resources.
Researchers have developed a novel treatment approach for persistent viral infections like herpes by blocking the activity of host cell protein LSD1, reducing HSV infection, shedding, and recurrence. This epigenetic therapy shows promise as an antiviral strategy to control shedding and reactivation of latent virus.
The NIAID/GSK Ebola vaccine candidate was well-tolerated and produced immune system responses in all 20 healthy adults who received it. The vaccine induced a T-cell response, including CD8 T cells, which may play an important role in immune protection against Ebola viruses.
A new study suggests that starting HIV treatment within a year of seroconversion can improve immune health by increasing CD4+ T-cell count. Researchers found that an HIV-infected person's CD4+ T-cell count is more likely to return to normal if treatment starts within a year and at a CD4+ T-cell count of 500 or more.
A recent NIH-sponsored study has identified a superior three-drug regimen for preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission during pregnancy and delivery. The findings support World Health Organization guidelines, recommending a triple-drug anti-HIV regimen to all pregnant women with HIV infection.
A mathematical model developed by NIH grantees predicts that women need to take Truvada daily to prevent HIV infection via vaginal sex, while men can protect themselves with just two doses per week. The model helps explain why previous PrEP trials in women were unsuccessful due to poor adherence.
Researchers are investigating the effects of aspirin and statins on preventing cardiovascular disease in people with long-term HIV infections. The study aims to reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel health in participants.
The NIH is conducting an early phase trial to evaluate the VSV-ZEBOV vaccine candidate, which was developed by researchers at Canada's National Microbiology Lab. The trial will enroll 39 healthy adults aged 18-65 and assess the vaccine's safety and ability to generate an immune response.
The NIH has granted a license agreement for a candidate Ebola vaccine that also protects against the rabies virus. Studies have shown the vaccines are safe and induce immune responses in monkeys, offering protection against the Zaire strain of Ebola.
New research reveals the complete structure and movement of HIV spikes, shedding light on how the virus evades detection by the immune system. The findings suggest a ground-state, pre-fusion form of the spike should be targeted in an effective HIV vaccine.
A modified y-retrovirus vector has been found to restore the immune systems of children with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency, a rare and life-threatening inherited condition. The new approach is equally effective at restoring immunity and may be safer than previous gene therapy methods.
A new experimental vaccine against H7N9 avian influenza prompted immune responses in 59% of volunteers who received two injections with an adjuvant booster. Without the adjuvant, immune responses were minimal regardless of vaccine dosage.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded seven research contracts to discover novel vaccine adjuvants that safely boost immune responses. The goal is to improve current vaccines, extend the vaccine supply, or enhance efficacy in people with immature or weakened immune systems.
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.
The NIH has launched a new online database, ClinRegs, to provide up-to-date information on country-specific clinical research regulatory requirements. This resource enables users to explore and compare regulations across different countries, streamlining the planning and implementation of international research projects.
Researchers have successfully tested a new vaccine regimen that provides rapid protection against Ebola virus in monkeys, with some animals remaining protected for up to 10 months after vaccination. The experimental ChAd3 Ebola vaccine demonstrated strong immune responses in both single-dose and prime-boost regimens.
Researchers have identified a new vulnerability in the HIV armor that a vaccine could exploit, with an antibody called 35O22 preventing 62% of known strains from infecting cells. The discovery suggests it may be easier to elicit this antibody through vaccination compared to other broadly neutralizing antibodies.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has launched an initial human safety study for an Ebola vaccine candidate. The trial is the first in a series of Phase 1 clinical trials that will examine the investigational NIAID/GSK Ebola vaccine, which is designed to induce an immune response in healthy adults.
In a laboratory study led by NIH scientists, broadly neutralizing HIV-specific antibodies (bNAbs) were found to effectively block HIV from entering immune cells. The researchers also demonstrated that these antibodies could completely block HIV replication in infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy.
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.
A new study supports the use of newborn screening tests for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a life-threatening condition affecting approximately 1 in 58,000 infants. The test identified 52 cases of SCID, with all patients receiving lifesaving treatments and 92% surviving.
A new experimental chikungunya vaccine performed well in an early clinical trial, eliciting neutralizing antibodies in all participants and providing durable protection for at least 11 months. The vaccine, a virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine, was delivered without an adjuvant and prompted a robust immune response.
Researchers have successfully mutated the powerful anti-HIV bNAb called VRC01 to make it last longer in blood and collect in rectal mucosal tissue, potentially blocking HIV transmission. A low-dose infusion of mutated VRC01 also protected monkeys against SHIV infection more effectively than unmutated VRC01.
The Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa has claimed over 1,000 lives, with healthcare professionals facing new challenges in capital cities and Nigeria. Dr. Fauci emphasizes the need for sound public health practices, community engagement, and international assistance to defeat the epidemic.
Researchers have developed a new nasal test that can quickly and accurately diagnose Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, an incurable neurodegenerative disorder. The test was successfully tested in 97% of patients with the disease and showed 100% specificity for non-patients.
Artemisinin resistance has become widespread in Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. A six-day course of artemisinin-based combination therapy proved highly effective in treating drug-resistant malaria cases.
Researchers report that SIV can become entrenched in tissues fewer than 3 days after infection, establishing a permanent reservoir. Early antiretroviral therapy showed limited effectiveness in preventing this establishment.
A clinical trial found that high-dose fluticasone induced remission in 65% of patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, while 25% remained resistant to steroid treatment. Gene expression analysis identified a cluster of genes associated with steroid responsiveness.
Scientists have identified genetic markers associated with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an inflammatory disease characterized by high levels of immune cells in the esophagus. The study found that several genes are involved in EoE development, which can cause difficulty eating and is often associated with food allergies.
The Mississippi baby, who was thought to be functionally cured of HIV, has developed detectable levels of the virus after over two years without treatment. Researchers are now working to understand what factors enabled the child's prolonged remission and how to extend it.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has launched a Phase I clinical trial of CRS3123, an investigational oral antibiotic aimed at treating Clostridium difficile infection. The study aims to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the medication in healthy adults.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for tuberculosis (TB) by targeting the body's immune response rather than directly killing the bacteria. This new host-directed therapy has shown promise in preventing disease severity and controlling bacterial growth, offering hope for those infected with drug-resistant strains.
Researchers at NIAID have developed a vaccine that delivers the AMA1-RON2 complex, protecting mice from lethal malaria. The improved antibody response to this vaccine provides protection against infection even in non-vaccinated animals.
The NIH 3D Print Exchange provides freely available files for custom laboratory equipment, bacterial models, and human anatomy prints, enabling medical research and innovation. The platform also features video tutorials and a discussion forum to promote collaboration and advance science.
A NIH-funded study found that early life exposure to specific combinations of allergens and bacteria protects against wheezing and allergic disease. The Urban Environment and Childhood Asthma (URECA) study revealed that cockroach, mouse, and cat exposure during the first year of life is associated with a lower risk of recurrent wheezing.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from nearly 100 HIV-infected volunteers and found that B cells, which produce antibodies, are more activated, unstable, and unresponsive to HIV. In contrast, antiretroviral therapy improves B-cell response to HIV, with normal cells dominating.
Researchers have identified a substance, known as PfSEA-1, that generates antibodies which can hinder the ability of malaria parasites to multiply, potentially protecting against severe malaria infection. The antigen was associated with reduced parasite levels among children and adults in malaria-endemic areas, and mice exposed to PfSE...
Researchers at NIH screened 290 approved compounds and identified 27 with activity against both MERS-CoV and SARS coronavirus. These compounds, from various pharmaceutical classes, inhibited the viruses' ability to enter and infect cells. The study provides a potential solution for outbreaks due to emerging viruses.
A recent NIH-funded study tracked Tanzanian children's risk of severe malaria over time, finding no simple relationship between parasite density and disease severity. The research suggests that even mild episodes of malaria may pose a significant risk of severe illness, contrary to previous mathematical models.
The Ebola outbreak in West Africa underscores the importance of real-time data sharing among scientists to improve public health responses. Implementing a regional diagnostic approach can enhance laboratory capabilities, reduce waiting times for test results, and help determine whether established test methods will work or fail.
Researchers at NIH's NIAID have developed a monkey model of human hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, allowing them to study the disease's progression and potential treatments. The study found that the virus triggers a life-threatening immune response nearly two weeks after infection, providing a potential target for early diagnosis.
Researchers found that children living in malaria-endemic regions mount an immune response to infection with malaria parasites, enabling them to partially control parasite growth and avoid repeated fever. This exposure-dependent control of inflammation may have evolved to protect young children from life-threatening illness.
A recent NIH study found that a rare genetic disorder, CDG-IIb, can confer resistance to severe or recurrent viral infections like HIV and influenza. The researchers discovered that these viruses replicate less efficiently in cells with the disease, creating fewer and less infectious viruses.
Researchers are investigating HIV vaccines that failed to demonstrate efficacy and may have increased susceptibility to HIV infection. A new perspectives article highlights the need for risk-benefit analysis when developing new HIV vaccine candidates.
The threat of antimicrobial resistance is a global crisis that requires a multi-faceted approach, including strong basic, clinical and translational research. NIAID's new directions in antimicrobial resistance research aim to develop vaccines, point-of-care diagnostics, and new antibiotics to prevent and treat infections.
Researchers characterized the gut bacteria of premature infants who developed sepsis, suggesting a new approach to early detection and prevention. Genetic matches were found between bacteria in stool samples and those in blood samples, indicating that gut bacteria are responsible for these infections.
Two studies found that only one subclass of V1V2-directed IgG antibodies, the IgG3 subclass, is associated with antiviral responses linked to the reduced risk of HIV infection seen in the RV144 trial. More research is needed to determine whether these antibodies protected some vaccinees from HIV infection.
Researchers used genome sequencing to reveal genetic diversity in hospital-acquired bacterium ST258, which causes carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections. The study found two distinct groups with different evolutionary histories and unique outer coat genes.