A team at Texas Biomedical Research Institute found that even with effective treatments for TB and HIV, the immune system remains seriously out-of-whack following treatment. The study suggests that host-directed therapies specifically targeting the immune system could potentially restore lung immune system functionality.
A new study from Texas Biomedical Research Institute found that low-dose THC significantly reduced side effects and inflammation caused by HIV and antiretroviral therapy. The treatment also increased serotonin levels, lowered cholesterol and toxic bile acids, and improved cardiovascular health.
Researchers at Texas Biomed have developed a live attenuated vaccine that showed high efficacy in cells and animal models, protecting mice from lethal H5N1. The team identified potential treatment targets using human airway organoids, revealing how bird flu remodels airway cells and causes scar tissue to form.
The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine generates nearly identical antibodies to those following a natural infection, providing strong protection against the earliest life stage of malaria parasites. This long-lasting immunity is effective without requiring further adaptation.
Researchers have identified a critical step in SARS-CoV-2 viral infection: the protective role of ORF3a, which forms dense bodies surrounding the spike protein to prevent it from being cut into smaller components. This finding could lead to new therapeutic targets and vaccine development strategies.
A genetic analysis reveals that human parasites do not recently interbreed with those that infect cattle, contrary to previous concerns. This finding has implications for controlling schistosomiasis, a disease affecting over 200 million people globally.
A new TB vaccine candidate has shown complete protection and a superior immune response in nonhuman primates compared to the existing BCG vaccine. The delta sigH vaccine resulted in a more balanced and effective elimination of the bacteria, with lower levels of inflammation and a different type of interferon triggered.
Researchers at Texas Biomed identified nine mutations in a bird flu strain from a person in Texas that enable it to more easily replicate in human cells and cause severe disease. Approved antivirals still effectively combat the virus, according to mouse studies.
A live-attenuated vaccine against Lassa virus has been developed and shown to be safe and 100% effective in protecting guinea pigs from the virus. The vaccine was created by modifying the genome of the virus to prevent it from causing disease, making it a promising candidate for future clinical trials.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute developed a human cell culture model of alveolar macrophages, which helped make a key finding about the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in tuberculosis (TB). The study found that TNF is critical to protect against TB but not other infectious diseases.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Institute have developed a TB therapy that does not interfere with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) in patients with HIV. The host-directed therapy blocks an immune system protein and has shown improved control of TB when used with antibiotics.
Researchers developed a monoclonal antibody called SC27 that targets multiple parts of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, including conserved sections. The antibody shows promise against various COVID-19 variants and related coronaviruses, potentially benefiting immunocompromised patients
A Zika vaccine candidate has been shown to be safe and effective when administered both before and during pregnancy, according to a new study. The purified, inactivated vaccine (ZPIV) candidate prevented placental damage and blocked transmission of Zika virus from mother to fetus.
A study by Texas Biomed researchers identified mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, and inguinal lymph nodes as the leading sources of HIV rebound infection. The findings have implications for potential new therapies targeting these tissues to prevent viral spread.
Researchers found that Ebola virus creates tunneling nanotubes to transfer particles to new cells, evading treatments and spreading infection. The discovery suggests a new route of dissemination for the deadly virus.
Scientists at Texas Biomedical Research Institute found a promising cancer therapy also effectively reduces TB growth, even for drug-resistant bacteria. The therapy combines MCL-1 and BCL-2 inhibitors with antibiotics to control TB up to 98%.
A DNA-based vaccine has shown promise in a preclinical study by Scancell Ltd and Texas Biomedical Research Institute. The vaccine prompted a robust immune response, including T cell activation and antibody production.
Researchers at Trudeau Institute and Texas Biomedical Research Institute found that prior dengue infection can worsen Zika virus outcomes during pregnancy. Pregnant marmoset monkeys infected with dengue passed significantly more Zika virus to their fetuses than those without dengue, suggesting a link between the two viruses.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have developed a new cell culture model to generate human alveolar macrophages, the most critical immune cells in the lungs. This model allows for easier and inexpensive investigation of lung inflammatory diseases and testing of new therapies.
A new study has identified a second key gene, AAT1, involved in malaria's resistance to the drug chloroquine. The finding, published in Nature Microbiology, has implications for the ongoing battle against malaria.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have identified a potential host-directed therapy targeting the immune system to bolster the body's ability to control TB infection. Blocking IDO enzyme helped nonhuman primates completely eliminate active TB infection, improving health metrics compared to antibiotics alone.
The CoDe tool enables precise edits to genetic codes, making vaccines safer and more effective. It can also modulate gene expression in small sections, aiding vaccine design and basic research.
Texas Biomed is at the forefront of developing a Sudan ebolavirus vaccine and antibody therapeutic to combat the ongoing outbreak in Uganda. The Institute has been awarded millions of dollars in contracts to run studies required for FDA approval, utilizing its BSL-4 laboratory facilities.
Researchers will map developing brains, identifying cell types, activities, and locations as they differentiate during development and change throughout childhood and adolescence. The project aims to learn more about normal, healthy brain development and better understand how diseases like autism, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's emerge.
Two nonprofit research organizations partner to create new TB vaccine candidates with diverse adjuvant technologies and genetically diverse mouse models. The team aims to develop thermostable vaccines that can last for several months at room temperature or years in standard refrigerators.
Researchers at Texas Biomed have developed a modified tuberculosis vaccine that can treat non-muscle invasive bladder cancer without strong side effects. The delipidated vaccine triggers well-regulated immune responses and reduces inflammation, making it more effective than traditional treatments.
Researchers developed a new software tool, called 'meta-transcriptome detector,' that integrates genetic sequencing analysis of hosts and their microbiomes. The tool enables analysis of gene expression activity in both microbes and hosts simultaneously, allowing researchers to spot relationships between them.
The Interdisciplinary NexGen TB Research Advancement Center will provide a world-class training program for the next generation of TB researchers, leveraging expertise and facilities across Texas Biomed and South Texas. The center aims to ensure diverse skills and real-world experience to effectively tackle this challenging disease.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have found that adding an antibody to the widely-used TB vaccine significantly improves its long-term effectiveness. The combination of the vaccine and an IL-10 blocker allows for better control of TB infection in mice, with improved lung health and increased memory immune cells.
Researchers found that starting combined antiretroviral therapy against simian immunodeficiency virus two weeks after infection significantly reduced chronic immune activation, SIV replication, and latent TB reactivation. This study contributes to the growing evidence on the complex interaction between HIV and tuberculosis.
Scientists sequenced the gene expression profiles of more than 170,000 individual cells to shed light on a key mystery: the role of Type I Interferons (IFN) during viral infections. The study reveals interferon plays a crucial role in clearing the virus by alerting immune cells, such as macrophages, to search and destroy infected cells.
A Zika virus vaccine candidate has been shown to prevent fetal malformations and detect maternal antibodies in pregnant animals. The vaccine has demonstrated high levels of protection against Zika infection in both mice and marmosets, with over 90% effectiveness observed.
Two independent teams of researchers have found the molecular mechanism of action of praziquantel, the only approved drug to treat schistosomiasis. The drug binds to a specific type of channel in the cell membrane, causing calcium ions influx and resulting in worm paralysis and death.
A new study has identified a promising drug candidate to minimize uncontrolled muscle movements associated with Parkinson’s disease. PD13R reduced dyskinesia by more than 85% in animal studies, also improving sleep quality compared to other treatments.
A study found that individuals under 65 had higher antibody levels than those over 65, with women outperforming men. However, by six months post-vaccination, antibody levels dropped significantly for everyone in the study group.
Scientists have developed a technique to sequence individual malaria parasites' genomes, allowing for the detection of new mutations. These mutations are often targeting a gene family controlling transcription in malaria, suggesting potential avenues for developing more effective treatments and vaccines.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute developed 'reporter viruses' that allow for real-time tracking of SARS-CoV-2 spread in cells and animal models. This enables faster screening of potential anti-viral drugs, vaccines, and neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers identified distinct epigenetic patterns associated with heart disease in diverse populations, offering potential early warning signs. The study analyzed genome data from four cohorts and found unique methylation points linked to coronary heart disease.
The Southwest National Primate Research Center and Texas Biomedical Research Institute have received continued full accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) for their exceptional animal care. The institution houses over 2,500 nonhuman primates, including pathogen-free rhesus...
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute are receiving NIH funding to investigate the precise mechanisms of Ebola virus infection, including its ability to hijack immune cells called macrophages. The study aims to understand how the virus spreads in the body and potentially develops targeted treatments.
The Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC) has been awarded $37 million from the NIH to house and care for nearly 2,500 non-human primates. The funding will support critical work in finding new treatments and vaccines against infectious diseases.
The article discusses the critical role of Texas Biomed in the development of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine through preclinical testing. Scientists tested two mRNA vaccine candidates in rhesus macaques, showing high effectiveness in protecting against SARS-CoV-2, and highlighting the importance of rapid therapy and vaccine development.
Researchers aim to assess the efficacy of surface coating and aerosolized decontamination technologies to combat SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces and in the air. The studies will test various materials, application strategies, and exposure durations to determine viral and microbial decontamination strategies.
The Mabee Foundation award will aid in the expansion of research and testing at Texas Biomedical Research Institute. The new facility will accommodate a growing need for animal models to test safety and efficacy of new treatments, including those for COVID-19.
A comprehensive SARS-CoV-2 animal model study has identified two potential models: Indian rhesus macaques and African baboons. The macaque model shows promise for vaccine development, while the baboon model exhibits greater disease progression, making it suitable for evaluating anti-viral therapeutics and co-morbidities.
Researchers at Texas Biomed will study the effects of cannabinoids on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), with a focus on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). The goal is to develop better therapeutic options for HIV patients suffering from HAND.
Researchers at Texas Biomed will test the efficacy of human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in small rodent models to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection. The project aims to identify effective combinations of MAbs that offer protection against disease progression.
Scientists have found that baboons exhibit a steep age-related cognitive decline, similar to humans, making them a potentially useful model for testing early therapeutic interventions. The findings provide insight into the breakdown of brain systems and may lead to better treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Texas Biomed launched a comprehensive multi-species study to identify the best animal model for COVID-19. The study includes four additional species and aims to pinpoint the most effective model for diagnostics, vaccines, and therapies.
Researchers used single cell genome sequencing to analyze malaria parasite cells, finding that nearly all infections were caused by a single mosquito bite. This discovery could lead to more effective interventions and models for predicting antimalarial drug resistance.