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.
Researchers discovered that a common topical antibiotic triggered an antiviral resistance in mice infected with herpes and other viruses. The study found increased expression of genes stimulated by interferons, suggesting a new mechanism for antiviral response.
Researchers have reconstructed the 3.1 Å structure of the HSV-2 B-capsid, expanding our understanding of its assembly mechanism. The study revealed four major conformers of the VP5 protein, which form extensive intermolecular networks and stabilize the capsid.
The study found that the CTCF protein helps herpes simplex virus regulate its own sleep-wake cycle, enabling it to establish latent infections in sensory neurons. By preventing CTCF from binding to viral DNA, the virus's ability to reactivated was weakened.
The new Shingrix vaccine has been shown to be more than 90% effective in protecting against the herpes zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles. The vaccine stimulates production of immune memory cells, generating a strong and sustained protection against the virus.
Researchers identified a single gene mutation that makes some people more susceptible to viral brain infections like encephalitis. The DBR1 gene affects mRNA splicing, impairing immunity in the brain stem and leading to virus invasion.
Researchers created synthetic neurons from a readily available cell line to investigate purine synthesis in the human brain. The study found that the core enzyme FGAMS is expressed throughout neurons and non-neuronal cells, with infection by herpes simplex virus affecting its expression and clustering.
The study provides the first atomic description of the herpes virus associated with Kaposi's sarcoma, allowing scientists to identify specific targets for antiviral therapies. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for both KSHV and Epstein-Barr viruses.
Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine identified a human protein that restricts herpes virus replication, potentially preventing cancer. The study mapped healthy cells and those infected by the large DNA virus, shedding light on the disease pathway.
Researchers have developed a three-compartment system to culture neurons preserving the nerve's structure. They found that viruses can escape silencing through stress-mediated slow and fast processes. The slow process is triggered by neuron stress, while the fast process involves viral tegument proteins.
Researchers discover nearly perfect genetic transmission of the virus from a father to his son, suggesting that HSV-1 may not change much when transmitted between closely related individuals. However, transmission between unrelated hosts may provide an opportunity for greater genetic diversity and potential changes in virulence.
A team of scientists believes they've identified Paranthropus boisei as the species that likely contracted HSV2 and transmitted it to human ancestors, including Homo erectus. The study suggests the virus jumped from ancestral chimpanzees via an intermediate hominin species.
New research suggests that male hormones promote infection with the virus that causes Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of cancer. The study found that androgen receptors in cells are activated by male hormones, leading to increased levels of KSHV genetic material detected in infected men.
Researchers from Instituto de Medicina Molecular created a chimera virus that can test molecules to treat cancers caused by human herpes virus infection in mice models of disease. This finding preserves the functionality of LANA, a protein vital for Kaposi virus maintenance, allowing new cancer treatments to be developed.
Researchers discovered a potential broad-spectrum antiviral by inhibiting the EZH2/1 complex, which suppressed HSV infection and reactivation in mice. The treatment also showed promise against other viruses, including human cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, and Zika virus.
EZH2/1 inhibitors, used in cancer clinical trials, have activity against a variety of viruses, including HSV. These compounds suppress viral gene expression and induce antiviral pathways.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that mountain gorillas harbor a strain of lymphocryptovirus 1, similar to the Epstein-Barr virus in humans. The virus is widespread among infant gorillas, infecting 52% of those studied, with no symptoms reported in live gorillas.
Researchers have identified heparanase, an enzyme present in the cornea, as a key factor in promoting and sustaining inflammation after HSV-1 infection. Elevated levels of heparanase trigger damage to tissue junctions and lead to pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Researchers found that maternal antibodies against HSV-1 can travel to the nervous systems of unborn babies, preventing the development and spread of infection during birth. This protection may help prevent serious brain disease related to these conditions in fetuses and newborns.
Researchers analyzed over 1.3 million HZ-related ED visits from 2006 to 2013, finding a significant increase in utilization and costs, especially among younger adults. Vaccination was linked to reduced ED utilization, but further research is needed to understand the drivers of increased costs.
Macrophages from CAD patients suppress T cell activation, driven by pyruvate and PD-L1. This mechanism may contribute to immune dysfunction and reactivation of long-latent viruses like varicella zoster virus.
A new study found that vaginal bacteria can alter the sexual transmission of Zika and herpes simplex virus-2. The presence of Lactobacillus bacteria was associated with reduced replication of herpes simplex virus-2, while some microbiomes lacking Lactobacillus allowed for increased replication of Zika virus.
Asian elephants are carriers of virus types 1, 4 and 5, while African elephants carry types 2, 3 and 6. The transmission of Elephant Herpes has been largely unknown until now.
A comprehensive review examines the role of type I interferon in controlling herpes simplex virus type 1 infection. The study reveals that newborns are more susceptible to HSV-1 infection, which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening diseases like herpes simplex encephalitis.
Researchers at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have identified a set of protein complexes that are recruited to viral genes to stimulate both initial infection and reactivation from latency. Environmental stresses also induce reactivation, providing new targets for the development of therapeutics.
Researchers discovered that the herpes virus family evolved independently but also showed signs of recombination with HSV-1, which occurred between 34,000-95,000 years ago. This challenges previous theories on human migration and origins of STDs.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that women infected with genital herpes during early pregnancy had twice the odds of giving birth to a child later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The researchers suggested that the mother's immune response to HS...
A new trivalent vaccine induces antibodies against three different parts of the virus, including two components that help HSV2 evade immune attack. The vaccine provides strong immune response and potent neutralization of four isolates of HSV2 from sub-Saharan Africa.
The USPSTF recommends against routine serologic screening for genital herpes infection in asymptomatic individuals, citing the lack of a long asymptomatic period and the high false-positive rate of current tests. This decision is based on the low test accuracy and potential harms of early detection and intervention.
A study found that pritelivir reduced genital herpes virus shedding and lesions compared to valacyclovir, with fewer pain episodes in the pritelivir group. The new medication showed significant improvements in virus quantity shed and reduced frequency of pain.
Research found that pubic hair grooming is associated with a heightened risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, particularly among high frequency and intensity groomers. Grooming was linked to an 80% increased risk of infection, with certain practices causing higher risks for specific infections.
A national five-year clinical trial will evaluate new treatment protocols for herpes zoster ophthalmicus, a form of shingles affecting the eye. The trial aims to reduce complications and preserve vision with longer-term suppressive antiviral medication.
Researchers found that Zika virus infection damages placental cells and enhances entry of the virus through HSV-2 receptors. Fetuses in pregnant women with HSV-2 infection are at higher risk for microcephaly and other effects caused by Zika virus.
Recent studies suggest that our environment, including lifestyle choices and living conditions, plays a significant role in shaping our unique immune systems. The review highlights the importance of understanding how environmental influences can be harnessed to improve human health.
A new mouse model reveals Zika virus can replicate for extended periods in the vagina, leading to brain infection and growth restriction. Researchers also investigate potential blocking methods using the interferon pathway.
Researchers found that virus replication increases at certain times of the day, with peak replication occurring in the morning. This suggests that shift workers, whose body clocks are disrupted, may be more prone to viral diseases.
Researchers developed a vaccine made from an engineered HSV-2 virus that lacks expression of glycoprotein D, which protects mice from multiple clinical isolates of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection. Mice rapidly cleared the virus after infection and did not develop long-term latent infections.
Scientists at Cornell University have developed a model system to test drugs against feline herpes virus 1 (FHV-1) in cats. Early results show that the antiretroviral drug raltegravir is effective against FHV-1, even when administered once daily.
Researchers will assess treatment of asymptomatic babies born with congenital CMV and investigate frequency of neonatal herpes infections in the US and Peru. Early detection and close follow-up can lessen the effects of congenital CMV in infants.
A new study reveals that 43% of women with unexplained infertility are infected with the HHV-6A virus, which activates immune cells and produces cytokines making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant. The finding could lead to treatments improving outcomes for infertile women.
Researchers develop CRISPR/Cas9 guide RNA sequences targeting latent herpesvirus DNA in infected human cells, suppressing virus replication. Efficient elimination of EBV genomes was observed, while HCMV replication was impaired with simultaneous editing at multiple critical sites.
New research detects Zika virus in brain and placental tissue of deceased babies and spontaneously aborted foetuses, providing early insight into the effect of Zika virus infection on foetuses. The study highlights a potential link between Zika virus infection during the first trimester of pregnancy and severe birth defects.
A phase II clinical trial showed that GEN-003 immunotherapy significantly reduces genital herpes virus activity and recurrent outbreaks, lasting up to a year after treatment. This new approach may provide relief similar to daily antiviral medications but with improved convenience.
Researchers found that herpes virus infects neurons in colon wall, killing them and preventing food movement, leading to enlarged colon. The study provides a surprising cause for unexplained chronic constipation in some patients.
Researchers at Yale University have found a way for antibodies to enter the nervous system, allowing them to control viral infections. This discovery may lead to new treatments for conditions such as herpes and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
A study found that vaccination under the influence of estradiol enhances protection against genital herpes by shifting the immune response in the vaginal mucosa toward a more effective antiviral one. Estradiol accelerates and increases the response of T helper cells, promoting inflammation.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that estradiol, a female sex hormone, enhances anti-viral responses in mice infected with HSV-2. The researchers discovered that estradiol primes dendritic cells to initiate anti-viral T cell immunity, providing protection against STIs.
Researchers have developed zinc-oxide nanoparticles that can prevent the herpes simplex virus from entering cells and stimulate natural immunity to develop. The particles, called ZOTEN, work by attracting the virus and allowing immune cells to process it.
The EDGE project, funded by HORIZON 2020, trains 15 Ph.D. students from 5 European countries in virology and immunology to tackle herpes virus challenges.
A new study reveals a mechanism involved in lymphangiogenesis, specifically in corneal transplants and infectious eye disease, by inhibiting the overgrowth of lymphatic vessels. Galectin-8 promotes pathological lymphangiogenesis, increasing the risk of organ rejection and cancer metastasis.
A new study published in The Lancet estimates that the risk of microcephaly is approximately 1 in 100 women infected with Zika virus during the first trimester of pregnancy. This finding supports the association between Zika virus and microcephaly, which has been a public health concern since the outbreak in French Polynesia.
Scientists at University of Utah Health discovered that spironolactone, a medicine for heart failure, can also inhibit Epstein Barr virus by blocking a key step in viral infection. This finding has broader implications, suggesting that spironolactone could be developed into a new class of anti-herpesvirus drug.
Research identifies cellular stress-sensors proteins that favor viral lytic gene expression and cell cycle arrest. The study provides insight into the link between stress responses, cell cycle regulation and virus reactivation in oncogenic herpesviruses.
Scientists have isolated a new type of herpes virus from bat cells, providing insights into the biology of these viruses and their potential to transmit to humans. The discovery could aid in understanding why bats are often associated with viral infections that can be transmitted to humans.
A national survey reveals that high school wrestlers are prone to skin infections, with the head and neck being the most frequent site. Most skin infections can be treated within three to six days, but some may have more serious eye and neurological involvement.
A mathematical model accurately predicted the results of a herpes drug study, pinpointing the most effective dose for treatment. The model considers the complex immune response against the virus, improving upon current methods that neglect this aspect.
A study found a transient increased risk of ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction after herpes zoster diagnosis, peaking within the first week. The risk gradually decreased over six months.
A recent US study found that adults 50 and older are at a 50% increased risk for stroke for 90 days following a shingles episode. The study also revealed that people with shingles had more risk factors for stroke than those without, suggesting worse overall health.
Scientists discovered a cellular mechanism that allows herpes simplex virus to reactivate in neurons, triggered by stress. The virus uses a protein pathway called JNK to escape the neuron's repressive environment and cause disease.
Researchers have found that Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus can infect and replicate in human neurons. This discovery suggests viral infection could underlie at least some symptoms of brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.