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Microscopy deep learning predicts viral infections

A machine-learning algorithm can recognize virus-infected cells based on fluorescence of the cell nucleus, reliably identifying viruses and predicting severe acute infections. The algorithm has been trained with a large set of microscopy images and demonstrates 95% accuracy in detecting virulent infections up to 24 hours in advance.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournaliScience·DateJun 21, 2021

Giving cells an appetite for viruses

Scientists have identified a key gene necessary for cells to consume and destroy viruses through a process called autophagy. The study found that a gene called sorting nexin 5 (SNX5) plays a critical role in viral autophagy, suggesting that it could be used to develop broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics.

Vaccine shows promise against herpes virus

A genetically edited form of a herpes simplex virus has outperformed a leading vaccine candidate in a new study, significantly increasing antibody production and reducing viral replication. The modified live virus demonstrated cross-protection against both HSV-1 and HSV-2, suggesting an HSV-2-specific edition could be even more effective.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·Journalnpj Vaccines·DateNov 6, 2020

How herpes infection may impair human fetal brain development

A study found that herpes simplex virus type 1 infection can cause impaired neuronal differentiation and abnormal brain structure in the human fetus, contributing to long-term neurological problems. The research also identified HSV-1-infected microglia promoting inflammation and suggesting new therapeutic avenues for targeting viral re...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 22, 2020

Oral herpes rates are falling in children

Research published in BMJ Global Health suggests that oral herpes rates are falling among European children and young people. The prevalence of the virus is declining by 1% per year, with more than two-thirds of the population testing positive for HSV-1, but risks increasing sexually in adulthood.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateJul 16, 2020

Herpes virus decoded

Researchers have identified 284 open reading frames in the herpes simplex virus 1 genome, allowing for more precise study of individual genes. This breakthrough has implications for immunological therapies, such as oncolytic viruses used to treat certain tumor diseases.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2020

Unique new antiviral treatment made using sugar

Researchers have developed a new antiviral material made from sugar that destroys viruses on contact, offering a non-toxic alternative to current treatments. The treatment has shown success against multiple viruses, including respiratory infections and genital herpes, and may help combat emerging viral diseases.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 29, 2020

Herpes's Achilles heel

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to disrupt both latent and active herpes virus in human cells. The findings offer a model system for using gene editing in a localized way to disrupt active replication, but the challenge of delivering gene-editing therapy to neurons remains unsolved.

A mother lode of protection

A new study found that a maternal vaccine can effectively protect against HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections in mouse offspring, transferring infection-fighting antibodies to their nervous system. The vaccine has shown promise in preclinical animal models and phase 1 human trials, offering new hope for preventing neonatal herpes infections.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 18, 2019

Dartmouth researchers offer new insights into how maternal immunity impacts neonatal HSV

Researchers found that vaccinated mothers can protect their newborns from neonatal herpes, a disease that can cause brain damage and death. The study also identified two scenarios that are particularly dangerous for newborns: acquiring genital herpes late in pregnancy or exposure to the virus through non-protected contact.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 10, 2019

Does herpes cause Alzheimer's?

A new study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience suggests a causal link between herpes viruses and Alzheimer's disease, with antiviral drugs drastically reducing the risk of senile dementia in patients with severe herpes infections.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateOct 19, 2018

Surprise finding in neurons

Researchers discovered a high infection rate of Purkinje neurons with HHV-6 in patients with bipolar disorder and/or severe depression. The study suggests viruses can cause cognitive disturbances leading to mood disorders, contradicting the belief that dormant viruses never cause disease.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateAug 9, 2018

Helmholtz researchers get to grips with a herpesvirus

Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München have identified 16 virus structures that can be attacked by killer T cells, which could lead to new therapies for immunocompromised individuals and patients with autoimmune diseases. The researchers discovered these targets using an algorithm and verified them in a large group of patients.