Researchers at UCLA and USUHS discovered the Ephrin-B2 receptor as the doorway for Nipah and Hendra viruses to enter cells. This finding promises to lead to better understanding of how these viruses cause disease in humans and animals, ultimately aiding in vaccine and treatment development.
Researchers found that Gleevec, a cancer drug, slowed the spread of poxviruses in mice. The study suggests that Gleevec might be useful as a preventative against adverse effects of smallpox vaccine.
A new research consortium will investigate basic immunologic mechanisms associated with food allergy and test novel therapies to treat peanut allergy. The consortium will conduct clinical studies, observational studies, and develop educational programs for parents, children, and healthcare providers.
Researchers found that abnormal distribution of PfEMP-1 protein on red blood cells containing hemoglobin C impairs malaria parasites' ability to cause disease symptoms. This may explain why individuals with at least one gene for hemoglobin C are less prone to severe malaria.
A promising new TB drug, PA-824, has entered human clinical trials, showing activity against both actively dividing and slow-growing M. tb stages. The drug may significantly reduce the time needed to cure TB, offering hope for shorter treatment regimens.
Research suggests that a variant form of abnormal prion protein lacking an anchor may be unable to signal cells to start the lethal disease process, leading to infection without symptoms. The study provides novel insights into how prion and other neurodegenerative diseases develop and hints at new approaches to prevent such diseases.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded new grants to strengthen the national biodefense and emerging infectious diseases research network. The grants support research on next-generation treatments, vaccines, and diagnostic tools for diseases such as anthrax, plague, smallpox, and West Nile fever.
A stronger version of the chickenpox vaccine has been shown to prevent shingles in older adults, reducing incidence by 51% and total burden of pain by 61%. The vaccine also significantly reduces postherpetic neuralgia, a debilitating form of chronic nerve pain.
Researchers have watched infectious prion proteins invade and move within brain cells, shedding light on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) diseases. The findings may lead to ways to prevent or minimize their effects.
Scientists have discovered that human cells use RNA silencing to defend against HIV, a phenomenon previously unknown in mammals. The discovery of a novel siRNA sequence that targets the HIV protein Tat may lead to the development of new RNAi-based drugs to combat the virus.
Dr. Albert Z. Kapikian receives the Sabin Gold Medal for developing the first licensed rotavirus vaccine, saving millions of lives worldwide. His pioneering work in electron microscopy and virus characterization has been widely recognized by NIAID Director Anthony Fauci and H.R. Shepherd.
A research team has used genetic techniques to determine the geographic origin of leprosy, a disease that has been stigmatized for centuries. The study found four distinct types of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which are linked to specific regions and continents.
NIAID has awarded $27 million to institutions and companies to develop medical countermeasures against Category A bioterror agents, including botulinum toxin and Ebola. The awards will support the development of new treatments and therapies using promising scientific discoveries.
Researchers analyzed how neutrophils respond to Anaplasma phagocytophilum, a tick-borne bacterium that causes granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans. The study found that A. phagocytophilum can delay apoptosis in human neutrophils, allowing bacteria to replicate and cause infection.
Researchers found that high levels of oxygen can exacerbate lung inflammation in mice by triggering the release of adenosine, a molecule that protects against tissue damage. The study suggests that adenosine substitutes may be useful in preventing lung damage in patients with acute lung inflammation.
Researchers have developed an infection-fighting antibody that successfully cures disease in mice infected with West Nile virus, even when the virus had entered their brains. The monoclonal antibody was several hundred times more potent than natural antibodies and completely protected mice against death.
The experimental DNA vaccine is composed of a small piece of DNA that contains genes coding for two key surface proteins of the West Nile virus. In the study, 15 healthy volunteers will receive three injections of the vaccine into the upper arm to monitor their immune response.
Researchers identified cathepsin B and L as essential enzymes for Ebola virus reproduction, shedding light on its infection mechanism. Inhibiting these enzymes could lead to the development of a broad-spectrum antiviral therapy against multiple hemorrhagic fever viruses.
Researchers develop injectable treatment that blocks release of histamine, a key chemical causing allergy symptoms. The treatment, GFD, successfully prevents immune cells from reacting to cat allergen in both passively and actively allergic mice.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is conducting a Phase I trial to test the safety and immune response of an inactivated H5N1 avian influenza vaccine. The trial aims to prepare for a potential pandemic, following reports of human cases and suspected transmission.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is soliciting applications for Clinical Trials Units to lead in the development and evaluation of treatments, prevention strategies, and vaccines for HIV/AIDS. The selected units will focus on interventions that can be employed in resource-limited settings.
A large-scale trial is underway to test two topical microbicides, PRO 2000 and BufferGel, for preventing HIV and other STIs. The study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these microbicides, which could provide a valuable woman-controlled means of slowing the pace of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
A substance called poly-gamma-DL-glutamic acid (PGA) has been shown to protect Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria from natural human defenses. The discovery could lead to new treatments for S. epidermidis infections, which can cause serious conditions like sepsis and endocarditis.
Researchers have discovered a novel way to block the smallpox virus by targeting a cellular signaling pathway. The approach, which uses an experimental drug called CI-1033, significantly impaired the production of new virus particles and spread of the virus in infected cells.
The trial aims to test whether a vaccine stimulates cellular immunity to prevent or control HIV infection. The study will enroll healthy, HIV-negative volunteers from at-risk populations and gather data on the potential efficacy of the vaccine.
A study has identified a genetic factor that determines an individual's susceptibility to HIV/AIDS. The research found that people with fewer copies of the CCL3L1 gene are more likely to contract HIV and experience rapid disease progression, while those with more copies are less prone to infection.
The NIAID human clinical vaccine trial tests an experimental vaccine composed of a small circular piece of DNA encoding the viral spike protein. The trial aims to assess the vaccine's safety and immune-stimulating effects in people, with results expected to inform future vaccine development.
Researchers developed a broad-based vaccination for Lyme disease by targeting white-footed mice, which play a key role in spreading the disease. The study found that vaccinating these mice reduced nymphal infection prevalence by 16% and had potential implications for preventing other vector-borne diseases.
A NIAID-sponsored clinical trial is enrolling healthy adults to assess the immune response and safety of the Fluarix vaccine, which has been distributed in over 70 countries. The trial will provide valuable information on the vaccine's efficacy before it can be licensed for use in the US.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is revamping its HIV/AIDS clinical trials networks with a new leadership structure. The network will focus on six priority research areas, including vaccine development and prevention strategies, to address the global burden of HIV/AIDS.
The US government has awarded grants to support HIV/AIDS research and treatment in resource-limited countries, including Cambodia, Peru, Thailand, and Russia. The grants aim to develop clinical research centers and evaluate new treatments for co-infections with tuberculosis.
The NIAID genome sequencing project aims to reveal the genetic blueprints of thousands of human and avian influenza viruses, providing valuable data for researchers studying the virus's evolution and potential targets for new vaccines. The publicly available sequence information will help epidemiologists and other researchers improve t...
A new antibody treatment has shown promise in slowing or halting Crohn's disease by blocking the production of inflammatory proteins. The treatment was safe and effective in reducing symptoms in patients with active Crohn's disease.
The NIAID's Large-Scale Antibody and T Cell Epitope Discovery Program aims to deepen understanding of immune function against certain infectious agents. Researchers will discover new epitopes from various microbes, including those that could be used in bioterrorist attacks, to design improved medical countermeasures.
Researchers found evidence that HIV co-opts human enzyme DDX3 to transport its genetic material out of the cell nucleus. The discovery provides an attractive target for drug development and could lead to a new type of HIV drug that blocks viral replication without causing harm to human cells.
A new study on smallpox in monkeys reveals how the virus subverts host defenses, providing targets for developing countermeasures to lessen or block disease. This knowledge can speed up development of protective measures against bioterror attacks.
Chronic sinusitis sufferers exhibit abnormal immune responses to harmless fungal spores, releasing cytokines that can cause persistent inflammation. This study provides a possible immunologic basis for the condition and supports antifungal therapy as a potential treatment option.
Researchers found that bacteriophages can rapidly evolve new variants to target resistant bacteria, opening up possibilities for developing dynamic anti-microbial agents. The discovery could provide a renewable resource of smart antibiotics for treating bacterial diseases.
The NIAID has formed a clinical consortium to improve the success of organ transplants by identifying genetic factors and developing new immunosuppressive drugs. The consortium aims to minimize complications and increase long-term survival rates for transplant patients.
A study found that a customized environmental intervention reduced asthma symptoms in children by 21 days per year, with rapid improvements starting just 2 months after the program began. The program, which included measures to reduce allergens and tobacco smoke, was more effective than previous studies.
The NIAID Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Program supports the development and production of a candidate vaccine against H9N2 avian influenza. The vaccine will be produced by Chiron Corporation in Italy, with different dosages containing an adjuvant to boost its protective effect.
Researchers have identified a more effective treatment for people with both HIV and hepatitis C. The new therapy, peg-interferon with ribavirin, showed a sustained response rate of 27% compared to 12% in those who received standard interferon treatment.
A new study provides detailed insights into the genetic diversity of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) strains, revealing why some rapidly expand to cause epidemics. The research reveals previously unknown genetic distinctions in M3 strains of GAS.
Dr. Fauci is scheduled to deliver a lecture on the pathogenic mechanisms of HIV disease, highlighting the paradoxical nature of immune cell activation and viral replication. He will present new data on how immune cells can inadvertently facilitate virus persistence.
The NIAID is conducting a clinical trial to test the safety and effectiveness of Omr-IgG-am, an antibody-based product derived from Israeli donors, in treating West Nile virus infection. The study aims to provide preliminary data on the treatment's effectiveness against encephalitis, a brain inflammation caused by WNV infection.
Researchers have developed a new method to generate human SARS antibodies quickly, which could offer a potent frontline defense and effective treatment for those exposed to the virus. The technique successfully neutralized the SARS virus in laboratory mice, providing promising results for potential serotherapy.
Researchers solved the puzzle of the molecular structure of the protective antigen protein and CMG2 bound together, providing clearer targets for shutting down the anthrax toxin's entry into cells. This detailed image also points to a potential new tumor treatment using a genetically modified anthrax toxin.
Researchers have developed an intranasal SARS vaccine that protects African green monkeys from infection with a single dose, delivering the vaccine directly into the respiratory tract. The vaccine targets the SARS spike protein and induces neutralizing antibodies against the virus.
Researchers found that cross-priming, a key mechanism in T-cell activation, is directly correlated with the levels of whole proteins expressed by virus-infected cells. This new information could lead to the development of vaccines effective against infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria.
Researchers found that a weekly cycle of once-daily anti-HIV drugs can effectively treat HIV infection while reducing medication costs. The study involved eight patients who received a treatment regimen of 7 days on, followed by 7 days off, and maintained undetectable levels of HIV in their bloodstream for up to 84 weeks.