Research on viral diseases and the response to them. Covers Ebola and mpox, diagnostics, post-viral fatigue, and outbreak control strategies.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that infection triggers the expression of a protein called IL-33, leading to overgrowth of air spaces and increased mucus production. The researchers suggest that blocking this process could prevent chronic lung damage caused by viral infections.
Scientists have developed stable peptide mimics called peptoids to treat viruses and prevent infections. Peptoids, such as those tested against SARS-CoV-2 and HSV-1, could one day cure or prevent many kinds of infections, including COVID-19.
A recent study published in PLoS One found that young adult patients with COVID-19 are at risk of severe disease and readmission, especially those with comorbidities. The study also identified over 50 lingering symptoms, including fatigue, headache, and loss of smell, which can last weeks to months after initial recovery.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified two antibodies that protect animals from disease caused by alphaviruses, which could form the basis of treatments or serve as a template for a universal vaccine. The antibodies worked against all tested alphaviruses and prevented arthritis and brain infections in animals.
A physics model simulates hand-washing to estimate the time scales on which particles like viruses and bacteria are removed from hands. The study finds that vigorous movement for about 20 seconds is necessary to dislodge these particles, consistent with traditional guidelines.
A new strategy for curing HIV targets latent viruses by blocking and excising the virus, offering hope for patients to be taken off daily treatments. The HOPE Collaboratory's approach uses genome editing technology to destroy latent HIV.
Research from the University of South Florida found that individuals who wrote about their relationship troubles from a neutral observer's point of view had less conflict and aggression with their partner. The study surveyed 716 American adults and asked them to fill out a baseline assessment and then complete a brief writing exercise.
A study published in The EMBO Journal identified several host proteins that interact with the Ebola virus protein VP30, inhibiting viral transcription and replication. These findings suggest a novel target for preventing Ebola virus infection, providing potential new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers have developed nanobodies that target the cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a virus that can cause life-threatening complications in immunocompromised patients. These nanobodies bind to the US28 protein and interrupt signals that keep the virus dormant, enabling the immune system to detect and destroy the virus.
An interdisciplinary research team at TUM has developed nano-capsules tailored from genetic material using the DNA origami method to engulf and neutralize viruses. The strategy has been tested against hepatitis and adeno-associated viruses in cell cultures and may prove successful against corona viruses.
Experts urge UK government to prioritize vaccination over mass infection, citing unacceptable risks to vulnerable populations. The strategy is deemed 'unethical and unscientific' by Dr Deepti Gurdasani and colleagues.
A Skoltech team developed a model to assess infection risks for supermarket customers. The composite model incorporates social forces and retail space layout, suggesting that social distancing is the primary factor in reducing infection rates. Filling stores to capacity has little economic sense during the pandemic.
Researchers discovered that viral expansions can transition from 'pulled' to 'pushed', where the expansion is driven by viruses arising behind the front, retaining genetic diversity for longer. This finding suggests that viral populations in infected organisms may be more adaptable than previously thought.
A team of researchers has identified a mechanism explaining how Tpex cells can maintain their function for long periods, potentially improving the success rate of immunotherapy. The discovery was made by identifying increased amounts of an immunosuppressive molecule, which reduces activity of mTOR and dampens the immune response.
Researchers have identified DAF as a receptor that increases damage to the lungs in mice infected with influenza A virus. The study highlights an immune evasion strategy by the virus and stresses the importance of a balanced immune response to viral infections.
Researchers discovered that laminins, specifically laminin γ1, play a crucial role in mediating cell attachment and penetration for oncolytic viruses like H-1PV. This finding may lead to the development of more efficient clinical trials with reduced costs and approval times.
Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry found that phage potency is affected by container material, leading to reduced efficacy. The study highlights the importance of using specific containers with controlled surface properties to maintain phage concentration.
Researchers identified unique antibody responses that correlate with protection against dengue fever, highlighting the need for vaccines targeting specific serotypes. The study provides crucial information for developing effective dengue vaccines.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered how Ebola virus evades the immune system by targeting the STAT3 protein. The virus uses a protein called VP24 to disable STAT3's messenger function, which is critical for regulating host immune and inflammatory responses.
Researchers have identified a novel virulence trait of Streptococcus pneumoniae that increases the severity of S. pneumoniae superinfection following flu. The surface protein PspA, previously known to have several other virulence mechanisms, now functions as an adhesin to dying lung epithelial cells. This finding provides further expla...
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.
A new study reveals that a specific antibody molecule, missing fucose, can indicate when dengue virus infection will become deadly. Patients with severe disease have unusually high levels of these antibodies, which bind too strongly to white blood cells, leading to inflammation and platelet destruction.
A team of Colorado State University scientists detected Zika virus RNA in free-ranging African bats, shedding light on the ecology of flaviviruses and potential natural transmission routes. The findings suggest that bats may be incidental hosts of Zika virus infection, rather than amplifying hosts or reservoir hosts.
Researchers have developed an antibody-based therapy to treat Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, a highly lethal tick-borne disease. The therapy, called DVD-121-801, overcomes infection in mice with just one dose administered after virus exposure.
A new model predicts that rising temperatures in the UK will increase the risk of West Nile virus outbreaks, which are spread by mosquitoes with no vaccine available. The risk is currently low but expected to rise as temperatures increase.
Researchers from University of British Columbia and Strategic Salmon Health Initiative found Piscine orthoreovirus (PRV) originating from Atlantic salmon farms spreading to wild Pacific salmon through open-net farming. The study suggests a link between PRV transmission and increased disease severity in Chinook salmon.
Researchers found that T cells can make mistakes when identifying healthy cells from infected ones, even when binding tightly to antigens. This discovery may lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and improve cancer therapies.
Researchers discovered a novel molecular mechanism by which HCV interferes with the host's immune system, leading to chronic infection. The study found that HCV core protein is degraded via SPP and MHC class I proteins, impairing proper immune response and allowing infection to become chronic.
Researchers at the University of Vermont have discovered new biomarkers for predicting clinical and immune responses to dengue virus infection. These findings could aid in the development of more effective vaccines against all four dengue strains, a crucial step in combating this deadly disease.
Researchers have developed a pioneering plant-based technology to study the virus maturation process, revealing large structural rearrangements that enable chemical reactions necessary for infection. The study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of an essential part of a virus infection cycle.
Researchers have demonstrated that HERV activation can impair brain development, leading to altered cortical neuron function and structure. This finding has important clinical implications, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study published in Nature Medicine proposes that microbes exist as networks, driving frequent flare-ups in patients with bronchiectasis. The research team analyzed over 400 respiratory samples and found negative interactions between microbes contributing to infection severity.
Researchers found that hygiene measures such as heat, soap, and alcohol treatment can effectively eliminate new coronavirus variants. The variants have similar surface stability to the wild type virus but can be rendered harmless by these methods.
A dengue virus vaccine candidate has produced a protective immune response in infected mice, offering a promising alternative to existing vaccines. The UQ-developed vaccine uses an Australian insect virus and can be administered via a microarray patch for easy, needle-free delivery.
Researchers have improved a method to prevent human parainfluenza virus attachment to cells, leading to 30% to 40% of childhood respiratory illnesses. The new peptide is more effective and persistent in rodent models.
Researchers developed an intranasal influenza vaccine using recombinant hemagglutinin and found it enhanced immune responses in mice. The vaccine showed superior immunoenhancing properties and conferred protection against both same and different virus strains.
Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered how some antibodies can broadly neutralize ebolaviruses by targeting a key site on the virus called the glycan cap. This breakthrough may lead to the development of an antibody-based treatment that can save lives against a range of ebolavirus species.
A UC Riverside virologist has received a $1.9 million award to investigate how the Zika virus beats human defenses, with the goal of developing a vaccine and antiviral drug. The research aims to understand how the virus triggers the degradation of STAT2, a key host factor in activating interferons.
A new study describes broadly neutralizing antibodies that can prevent and potentially treat tick-borne encephalitis. These antibodies, known as VH3-48, have shown promise in preventing the disease and even treating it, as well as other tick-borne viruses.
A new diagnostic test, called the D4-assay, has been developed to detect Ebola virus infection earlier than the current industry standard PCR test. The test is highly sensitive and can detect the virus a full day earlier than PCR, making it a promising tool in addressing ongoing outbreaks.
Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered a critical immune cell type called cDC1 that helps control cancer and infections. The study highlights the importance of DC-SCRIPT, a new regulatory protein, in producing effective dendritic cells.
Researchers developed a safe and cheap technology to disinfect packed eggs with an electron beam. The technology kills bacteria without affecting the quality of meat or eggshell composition. Healthy chickens emerge from disinfected eggs, leading to improved immunity against diseases like Newcastle disease.
A new study by researchers at WashU Medicine found that children hospitalized with RSV are likely to get sicker if they have high levels of defective viral genomes. These defective genomes can trigger a strong antiviral immune response, but timing matters in determining the course of illness.
A study of 2119 adults with confirmed viral acute respiratory infections found that noninfluenza viruses (NIRV) caused illness rates and death similar to influenza. Patients with NIRV infections were generally younger but had underlying conditions, such as compromised immune systems.
A recent study reveals that long-term infection and chronic inflammation lead to a decline in immune function, particularly in older adults. The research found that Dnmt3a-loss of function HSCs exhibit increased self-renewal and reduced differentiation into immune cells, ultimately outcompeting normal HSCs.
A new study published in Nature Communications shows that combining monoclonal antibodies and remdesivir is effective in treating advanced Marburg virus disease. The combination therapy demonstrated an 80% protection rate against the lethal virus, offering promise for treatment of advanced infections.
Scientists have identified unique infection patterns used by four Candida species, which cause 90% of candidiasis cases. The study reveals that human vaginal epithelial cells respond similarly to different species, with their response modulated according to the severity of the infection.
Researchers identified a new hepatitis B virus in donkeys and zebras that causes prolonged infections, potentially leading to better understanding of chronic hepatitis B and development of new therapies.
Researchers found that a combination of an immune receptor blocker and an antiviral agent improves survival in mice infected with lethal influenza. The treatment reduces lung pathology in swine-influenza-infected piglets, providing insights into optimal timing of treatment to prevent acute lung injury.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered how five cellular proteins contribute to the formation of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) from relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA), a crucial step in HBV's life cycle. This finding provides potential strategies for developing new treatments for chronic HBV infection.
A large-scale chikungunya outbreak in Thailand from 2018-2019 was likely caused by the introduction of a CHIKV strain from South Asia. The study, published in PLOS ONE, highlighted the importance of global health surveillance and preparedness against vector-borne diseases.
Researchers from NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have developed a human cerebral organoid model to screen drugs for potential treatment of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a fatal neurodegenerative brain disease. The model has shown promise in reducing disease indicators by 10-fold without causing tissue death.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered that sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) levels in lymph nodes increase as the immune response mounts, leading to inflammation and damage. This finding could lead to better drugs used to fight inflammation, such as medications already approved for inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis.
A new study from China Agricultural University investigates the role of Hsc70-2 protein in virus-host interaction, identifying key amino acids responsible for systemic infection. The research supports a scenario where viral coat protein adaptations ensure better survival and spread among different plant hosts.
Among Ecuador's Shuar people, market integration is linked to higher levels of disgust sensitivity and lower infection rates. Disgust helps regulate exposure to pathogens and varies across households and communities.
Risk models developed by University of Malaga researchers use artificial intelligence to forecast West Nile virus outbreaks based on environmental variables such as temperature, humidity, and river presence. The study predicts areas at high risk of outbreak in European regions.
Researchers at the NIH used bacteriophages to treat mice infected with multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence type 258, showing promising results in reducing bacterial loads. However, phage resistance was also observed in some cases, highlighting the need for further investigation.
A study found that older adults understand the risks of overusing antibiotics, but many still use them incorrectly. Over 91% of respondents are cautious about using antibiotics, yet nearly 56% believe doctors overprescribe them, while 34% think antibiotics can help with viral illnesses like colds and flu.
A new analysis of thousands of Michigan bees reveals that the most diverse bee communities have the lowest levels of three common viral pathogens. This study suggests that promoting diverse bee communities may be a win-win strategy to reduce viral infections in managed honeybee colonies while maintaining native bee biodiversity.
A three-model approach was used to trace the spread of PEDV and analyze control strategies. The models showed varying levels of accuracy in predicting outbreaks, with PoPS being the most accurate overall.