Researchers have identified a new genetic syndrome characterized by severe allergy, immune deficiency, autoimmunity, and motor neurocognitive impairment. The syndrome is caused by mutations in the PGM3 gene, leading to underactive protein production and glycosylation defects.
A scientific team discovered how the immune system makes a powerful antibody that blocks HIV infection of cells by targeting a site on the virus called V1V2. The new findings point toward a potentially more effective vaccine that would generate V1V2-directed HIV neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers used live ticks to detect Lyme disease bacteria in people with persistent symptoms after antibiotic treatment, but found only two positive results. The study suggests that larger studies are needed to determine the significance of these findings.
Researchers have shown that boosting broadly neutralizing antibodies can protect humanized mice from both intravenous and vaginal HIV infection. The study used a novel technique called vectored immunoprophylaxis, which enabled the production of antibodies for extended periods.
A safe and effective HIV vaccine is necessary to control and potentially end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Recent scientific advances offer promising areas for further exploration, including the discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies and improved understanding of T-cell responses.
A safe and effective HIV vaccine is necessary to control and end the AIDS pandemic, according to a new commentary by NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci. Recent advances in understanding broadly neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responses offer promising areas for further exploration.
Researchers found a mechanism that helps HIV evade antibodies and stabilize key proteins. By sulfating amino acids on the gp120 protein, the virus can be made more susceptible to neutralizing antibodies, which could lead to more effective HIV vaccines.
Researchers used a defective form of HIV to track CD4+ T cells in HIV patients, distinguishing dividing cells from dying ones and discovering they can persist for at least 17 years. The study sheds light on the lifespan of effector memory T cells, which were previously thought to last only days or weeks.
Researchers have developed modified forms of spectinomycin that can act against TB bacteria, showing activity against multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant strains in mice. The new compounds, called spectinamides, are targeted to TB bacteria without harming mammalian cells.
Scientists are conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial of EDP-788, an oral antibiotic targeting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. The trial will evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of the drug in healthy participants.
Researchers developed a new mouse model of atopic dermatitis, revealing mast cells and Stat5 play critical roles in the disease. The study identified potential targets for eczema treatment based on links to human disease.
A new approach targeting persistent HIV-infected cells could complement antiretroviral therapy to achieve sustained disease remission. The immunotoxin 3B3-PE38 significantly reduced the number of infected cells and viral load in a mouse model.
A new study suggests that testosterone levels may affect the body's response to vaccines, with men often experiencing weaker antibody responses than women. Researchers found that men with high levels of testosterone had suppressed immune responses, which could be linked to their sex-specific differences in infections and vaccinations.
A team of researchers has discovered a way to identify malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum parasites that are resistant to artemisinin, the key drug for treating this disease. The study found that parasites with a mutant version of the K13-propeller gene were more likely to survive exposure to artemisinin.
A recent animal vaccine study has provided valuable insights that may lead to the development of more effective HIV vaccines. The study found that antibodies targeting SIV spikes can prevent infection and identified clear measures of immune responses that predict protection.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has named leadership groups and clinical trials units to lead the restructuring of HIV/AIDS clinical trials networks. The new structure aims to increase collaboration, expand research scope to include co-infections, and create transparent mechanisms for idea solicitation.
A recent study suggests that exposure to dust from homes with dogs can alter the immune response to allergens, reducing allergic inflammation. The researchers found that mice fed dog-associated dust were protected against airway inflammation triggered by cockroach allergen and respiratory syncytial virus.
Scientists have resolved the 'chlamydial anomaly' by detecting peptidoglycan in Chlamydia trachomatis. The novel method used reveals regions where the molecule is produced, confirming its presence.
The H7N9 influenza virus is poorly adapted for sustained human-to-human transmission, suggesting a low risk of pandemic. The study's findings indicate that the current form of the virus would need significant mutations to become transmissible between humans.
Researchers found that certain mosquito nerve cells detect human odors and CO2, attracting mosquitoes to humans. They identified two compounds, ethyl pyruvate and cyclopentanone, that can neutralize or activate these detectors, potentially developing new control approaches for mosquito-borne diseases.
Researchers have identified phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI4K) as a potential malaria drug target, essential throughout the Plasmodium life cycle. Imidazopyrazines inhibit PI4K activity, blocking parasite development in both liver and bloodstream stages.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is sponsoring a Phase I clinical trial for an investigational genital herpes vaccine candidate, called HSV529. The trial aims to test the safety and immune response of the vaccine in adults aged 18-40 with previous HSV-2 or HSV-1 infections.
The NIH has developed a candidate vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which elicited high levels of RSV-specific antibodies in animal studies. The vaccine was designed using structural information to inform its development, and early-stage human clinical trials are planned.
Two studies report rapid and sustained reduction of SHIV viral load in monkeys infused with anti-HIV antibodies, suggesting potential for treatment. Researchers propose testing antibody-based immunotherapy in HIV-infected people.
Researchers have developed a detailed picture of the HIV envelope trimer, critical for understanding how HIV enters cells and creating potential vaccines. Atomic-resolution imaging revealed the structure of the Env trimer, its assembly, and interaction with broadly neutralizing antibodies.
The trial aims to assess whether treating HIV-infected individuals as a form of prevention can substantially reduce new HIV infections across communities. The study will measure the impact on 52,500 adults over three years in 21 communities with a population of 1.2 million.
The NIH has awarded nine new contracts to strengthen the scope of its Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units, increasing funding from eight to nine institutions. The VTEUs will expand their ability to conduct research in domestic and international locations, including resource-poor settings.
The NIH has launched the first phase of the Microbiome Cloud Project, a collaboration with Amazon Web Services that provides a free public dataset of genetic information on microbes. This initiative aims to facilitate analysis and discovery by reducing computing infrastructure and technical expertise requirements.
A new study provides a clearer picture of how much time elapses between known infection, viral shedding, immune response, and onset of flu symptoms. Researchers found that a minimum dose of 10^7 TCID50 virus is needed to induce mild-to-moderate illness in 60% of volunteers.
Researchers have developed two rapid tests to monitor resistance spread and screen new drugs for malaria. The simple tests can predict whether a patient has slow-clearing, drug-resistant parasites in just 72 hours.
A combination of two licensed antiviral drugs reduces MERS-CoV replication and improves clinical outcomes in rhesus macaques. The treatment group showed no breathing difficulties, minimal pneumonia, lower virus amounts, and less severe tissue damage.
Researchers have identified the cells targeted by anthrax toxins, which can cause illness and death. Lethal toxin targets heart cells and muscle cells surrounding blood vessels, while edema toxin targets liver cells.
A new all-oral drug regimen has been found to be highly effective in clearing the hepatitis C virus and well tolerated in patients who historically have had unfavorable prognoses. The study showed a cure rate of about 70 percent using regimens without interferon, offering hope for those with chronic HCV infection.
Researchers developed a noninvasive protein-based urine test that accurately monitors kidney transplant risk and detects rejection before clinical signs appear. The study found low levels of CXCL9 protein can rule out rejection as a cause of kidney injury, offering a promising diagnostic tool for managing transplant patients.
Researchers used genetic sequencing to trace the source and evolution of the avian H7N9 influenza virus infecting humans. Domestic ducks and chickens played distinct roles in its genesis, with strains exchanging genes that led to outbreaks among chickens and human infections.
Researchers found that higher dosages of the PfSPZ Vaccine generated more antibodies and T cells, providing protection against malaria infection. The study's results suggest a potential breakthrough in developing a safe and effective malaria vaccine.
A new study by the NIH-funded Immune Tolerance Network found that rituximab is as effective as standard therapy in inducing and maintaining disease remission in people with severe forms of vasculitis. The drug requires shorter treatment duration, reducing the risk of long-term side effects such as cancer, infertility, and infection.
Researchers evaluated past H7 subtype influenza viruses among mammals and birds, comparing them to other avian influenza viruses. While none have caused a human pandemic since 1918, some adapted to infect horses, raising concerns about potential adaptation to humans.
A new noninvasive urine test can diagnose and predict kidney transplant rejection with high accuracy, offering an alternative to the standard kidney biopsy. The test uses biomarkers in the urine of kidney transplant recipients to detect rejection, allowing doctors to intervene early and prevent kidney injury.
Scientists at NIH discover how HIV kills immune cells by triggering a signal that causes infected cells to die. Treating HIV-infected individuals with drugs blocking viral replication may improve CD4+ T cell survival and immune function.
The NIH is funding a new clinical research network focused on antibacterial resistance, led by Duke University. The network will design, implement and manage the clinical research agenda to strengthen existing research capacity and address pressing scientific priorities.
Researchers infected ferrets and pigs with the human-derived H7N9 virus, showing that both species can be infected and transmit the virus. While transmission was more efficient in ferrets, the study highlights potential public health implications of the avian virus.
A novel vaccine concept using HA-ferritin nanoparticles elicited a potent immune response and broad protection against H1N1 virus strains. The experimental vaccine was also active against a wider range of strains than the licensed seasonal influenza vaccine.
Researchers have successfully infected mosquitoes with the Wolbachia bacterium, rendering them immune to malaria parasites. The scientists maintained a stable infection in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes for 34 generations, and all infected female mosquitoes became infected within eight generations when mated with uninfected males.
The new tool uses neutralization fingerprinting to identify specific types of HIV antibodies present in a blood sample. This approach is particularly useful when other methods are not feasible and can significantly reduce the time required for analysis.
NIH-supported scientists studied lab-grown human lung cells infected with the novel coronavirus (nCoV) and found that certain drugs could inhibit viral replication. The study identified a set of 207 human genes whose expression was disrupted by nCoV, which may be targets for new treatments.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) by identifying a highly vulnerable site on the virus's protein. The discovery provides new insights into how neutralizing antibodies work, which could lead to the development of more effective vaccines for infant respiratory illnesses.
A combination of two licensed antiviral drugs, ribavirin and interferon-alpha 2b, has been shown to inhibit the replication of novel coronavirus in laboratory-grown cells. The study suggests that this drug combination could be used to treat patients infected with the new coronavirus.
The NIH team developed a nonhuman primate model in December 2012 to study the emerging coronavirus. Clinical signs of the disease appear within 24 hours of infection, including reduced appetite and respiratory issues. The model is helping scientists evaluate potential vaccines and treatments.
Researchers have identified a key player in the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV, paving the way for potential vaccine discovery. By studying the co-evolution of HIV and an individual's immune response, scientists can identify target proteins to include in vaccines.