A novel drug developed by Gilead Sciences suppresses hepatitis B virus infection by stimulating the immune system and inducing loss of infected liver cells. The therapy targets a receptor on immune cells, reducing both virus levels and number of infected liver cells in chimpanzees chronically infected with HBV.
Gossypin, a naturally-occurring substance, has been shown to inhibit the growth of human melanoma cells and reduce tumor volume in mice. The compound may have great therapeutic potential as a dual inhibitor of mutations that occur in the vast majority of melanoma patients.
Researchers at Texas Biomed discovered that ten FDA-approved drugs showed activity against multiple bacteria and 24 against multiple viruses. Chloroquine, used to treat malaria, was found to be particularly effective against both anthrax and Ebola viruses.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Institute discovered a polymer hidden within the Ebola virus that can be targeted by llama antibodies, enabling the creation of highly sensitive test kits using a single antibody. This breakthrough may revolutionize emerging viral diagnostics and offer a promising tool for detecting other deadly pathogens.
A study found that moderate gum disease exacerbated infection and inflammation in a monkey model of AIDS, potentially slowing treatment effects. Researchers emphasize the importance of controlling mild mouth inflammation due to its negative implications on long-term disease progression.
Scientists at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have demonstrated that baboon embryonic stem cells can completely restore a severely damaged artery. The results show promise for developing stem cell therapies to restore human tissues or organs damaged by age or disease.
A genetically-engineered vaccine aims to prevent HIV infection by continually producing disease-fighting cells. The new approach could provide long-term protection and potentially be adapted for use against other infections.
Researchers developed a monoclonal antibody that protects chimpanzees from HCV infection in a dose-dependent manner. The study provides preclinical proof-of-concept for the use of neutralizing antibodies to prevent HCV transmission, which could lead to improved treatment options for patients with end-stage liver disease.
Scientists have created a new laboratory opossum model to study nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a common liver disease affecting up to 15 million Americans. The study found that high responders carried a mutated ABCB4 gene, leading to cholesterol accumulation in the liver and potential development of NASH.
A recent study published in the Lancet found a critical point in global efforts to control and eliminate malaria due to artemisinin resistance in western Thailand. Researchers identified a major region of the malaria parasite genome associated with artemisinin resistance, raising hope for effective molecular markers to monitor its spread.
Scientists at Texas Biomedical Research Institute and Yale University found a new biomarker that may help identify people at risk for major depression. The study analyzed over 11,000 endophenotypes in blood samples from 1,122 individuals and identified a gene called RNF123 linked to disease risk.
A recent study reveals that hepatitis A virus (HAV) evades the innate immune response more effectively than hepatitis C virus (HCV), which causes chronic infections. The research provides critical insights into the nature of HCV's persistence and highlights the importance of understanding how the body responds to these viruses.
Researchers identified a defective ABCB4 gene that impairs cholesterol excretion, leading to high levels of bad cholesterol. The study used laboratory opossums and found that the gene plays a role in controlling blood cholesterol levels in response to dietary cholesterol.
Researchers found 323 unique genes influenced by smoking, with a strong involvement in processes related to cancer, cell death, and metabolism. The study's results indicate that exposure to cigarette smoke alters gene expression, leading to a sobering scale of influence on human disease risk.
Scientists have created antibodies in llamas to detect seven types of botulinum neurotoxins, which are highly toxic and can cause paralysis. These llama antibodies, called single domain antibodies, may play a role in future anti-botulism treatments and could improve biosensors for detecting toxins.
A new drug, SPC3649, developed by Santaris Pharma, targets liver cells and showed a substantial drop in blood levels of the virus in animals, continuing to work after treatment stopped. The study also suggests that this technology could be useful for treating other diseases like HIV, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.