A novel mRNA-based vaccine has shown high levels of protection against malaria in animal models, offering new hope for combatting this deadly disease. The vaccine uses a lipid nanoparticle to stimulate the immune system and trigger a protective response.
Biomarker concentrations were elevated among personnel with longer duration of service, particularly without a diagnosed brain injury or concussion. Repeated exposure to low levels of blast has been linked to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and tinnitus.
Researchers developed an ultrasensitive assay to measure cathepsin B in blood, detecting the biomarker for a range of disease states. This breakthrough aims to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for conditions such as traumatic brain injury.
A study found that cells from people with major depressive disorder (MDD) have accelerated DNA methylation clocks, indicating an increased risk of mortality. The researchers discovered that these changes persisted even after accounting for lifestyle factors, suggesting a potential biological mechanism underlying the condition.
A novel nanoparticle vaccine, called spike ferritin nanoparticle (SpFN), is being tested in a Phase 1 clinical trial at WRAIR. The vaccine has shown promise in inducing potent and broad neutralizing antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Researchers at WRAIR and Duke University have confirmed the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies against malaria. The study found that certain mAbs showed promise in both culture-based and mouse infection models, suggesting distinct sites on the circumsporozoite protein can be targeted for improved vaccines.
Distinct PTSD biotypes, G1 and G2, have been identified with differing genetic markers and underlying mechanisms of disease. These findings enable the development of more accurate screening tools to identify early indicators of distress and inform targeted therapeutics for improved patient outcomes.
Researchers have identified microRNA biomarkers that play a role in brain damage caused by traumatic brain injury, and are also associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study found coordinated miRNA dysregulation followed by increased amounts of BACE1, a key enzyme in neurodegenerative disease pathology.
A computer-based training program has been developed to reduce negative responses to social conflict by minimizing hostile attribution bias. The training exposes participants to ambiguous word fragments that can form either aggressive or non-aggressive words, helping them to differentiate between the two.
A study of over 27,000 COVID-19 samples reveals low genetic variation in SARS-CoV-2, suggesting a single vaccine could combat global infections. This finding supports the development of a broadly protective vaccine against COVID-19, building on previous successes with other viruses.
Researchers at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research have found that cathepsin B levels are increased in areas of injured brain relevant to critical executive functions. The study suggests that cathepsin B could be used as a blood-based biomarker to identify TBI severity within different brain regions and cerebral spinal fluid.
Researchers from WRAIR and partners discuss the need for controlled human infection models (CHIMs) to study SARS-CoV-2, but note they won't advance current vaccines. CHIMs could provide valuable insights into vaccine efficacy and the virus's progression within the body.
Scientists have discovered that malaria's characteristic cycle of fever and chills is controlled by an intrinsic biological oscillator within the parasite. The study found that 87-92% of tracked genes were cyclical, providing strong evidence for an innate control mechanism.
Researchers identified a significant fraction of antibodies expressed by B cell plasmablasts circulating after DENV infection, particularly in individuals experiencing their first infection. This finding holds promise for developing new diagnostic tools and a safe, efficacious dengue vaccine.
A new study shows that a single dose of the Army-developed Zika vaccine can induce potent cross-neutralizing antibody responses against both Zika and dengue viruses. Researchers found that these antibodies, called MZ4, protected against both viruses in a mouse model of infection.
A novel malaria vaccine candidate based on the tobacco mosaic virus has shown a 10X improvement over a comparator vaccine in mouse trials. The vaccine uses the TMV coat protein as a scaffold to refocus the host immune system, offering protection against Plasmodium falciparum malaria up to 11 months.
Scientists investigated the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum across sub-Saharan Africa, identifying distinct regional characteristics and potential drivers of variation. Human movement and malaria drug resistance are key factors contributing to this diversity, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
A new study has gained insights into the mechanism of vaccine-induced T cell immunity, shedding light on the regulation, gene expression, and metabolic pathways of T cells. The discovery of a marker, TfR1, suggests that T cell immunity depends on specific metabolites.
A Phase 1 clinical trial found a MERS-CoV vaccine candidate to be well-tolerated and induce robust immune responses in healthy adult volunteers. Over 85% of participants exhibited detectable immune responses after just two vaccinations, with the response persisting throughout the study.
The WRAIR is conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial of the VRC-MARADC087-00-VP vaccine candidate, developed by NIAID, in healthy adult volunteers. The vaccine aims to stimulate rapid but durable immunity against Marburg virus, which causes severe hemorrhagic fever.
A new Army-developed Zika vaccine has induced a robust immune response in healthy adults, with over 90% of volunteers developing an immune response against the virus. The vaccine, developed by Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, was tested in three phase 1 studies and showed promising results.
A new study found that prior dengue or yellow fever exposure does not increase susceptibility to severe Zika virus infection in rhesus macaques. The researchers observed no significant differences in clinical factors between previously infected and uninfected monkeys after Zika virus infection.
Researchers have identified interleukin-1 beta (IL-1) as the trigger for inflammation during necroptosis, a recently described form of cell death. This discovery could lead to new treatments for inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease by targeting IL-1.
The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research has begun a Phase 1 human clinical trial to test the safety and immunogenicity of the ZPIV vaccine, developed using an inactivated flavivirus vaccine platform. The trial involves 75 healthy adults and is part of the US Department of Defense response to the ongoing Zika virus outbreak.
Researchers found that changing the dosing regimen of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine improved its efficacy to approximately 87%, compared to 63% with the current standard regimen. The new regimen was shown to delay infection longer and provide better protection against a second malaria-causing parasite exposure.
Dr. Tracy Rupp won the National Sleep Foundation Young Investigator Award for her work on sleep extension and its effects on performance and task acquisition. She demonstrated that extended sleep has a 'banked' recuperative value, contrary to current thinking.