Articles tagged with Viral Infections
Researchers found that changes in RNA splicing and protein Lark affect the production of messenger RNA, crucial for fighting gut infections. Genetic variants also modulate gene expression levels in response to infection.
The researchers have created a robust cell culture model for the hepatitis E virus, producing approximately 100 times more infectious virus particles than previous models. This allows for extensive studies on the virus and its impact on human liver cells, enabling the identification of key genes involved in the infection.
New research found that after recovery from a respiratory infection, particular cells in the innate immune system in the lung are more effective, offering extra protection against new infections. This heightened immunity is due to the production of cytokines by lung macrophages, which cause inflammation and help fight pathogens.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a decoy molecule called Arenacept that can neutralize a range of viruses, including arenaviruses. The molecule is based on a rodent receptor and has been shown to be highly effective in binding strongly to viruses and recruiting the immune system to mount an attack.
A recent study by University of Oxford researchers has found a strong link between maternal malnutrition and the severity of Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), a devastating condition caused by Zika virus infection. The study suggests that poor diets, particularly those lacking in protein, can exacerbate the effects of CZS, highlighting t...
Viral mutations can cause influenza viruses to mutate so that they can better latch onto and infect bird cells, making the immune system less effective. Cell-based vaccines offer an alternative using canine kidney cells, which are more similar to humans, increasing their effectiveness.
Researchers found genetic signs of Borna disease virus in brain tissue from patients with unknown cause of encephalitis, indicating a potential link to severe and deadly cases. The study suggests clinicians should test for BoDV-1 more often in patients with rapidly evolving central or peripheral nervous system disorders.
A new study reveals that human noroviruses infect small intestine cells by piggybacking on endocytosis, a normal process used to acquire materials from the environment. Bile acids and ceramide play a crucial role in this process.
Researchers discovered that DHCR7 inhibitors and intermediate cholesterol metabolite 7-DHC promote IFN-I production and an antiviral response by activating AKT3 and IRF3. This may aid in the development of new drugs to treat viral infections.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found no evidence linking CD4 T cells to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever. Instead, they discovered a novel T cell response that may help counteract inflammation, suggesting a new direction for developing effective vaccines.
Research finds that exposure to one subtype of flu virus in childhood can grant extra protection against future infections, but not if the second strain is from a different group. This explains why some people fare better than others when infected with the same strain.
A team led by Professor Patrick Labonté identified the role of autophagy in the replication cycle of Hepatitis D virus, which infects only people with hepatitis B. The discovery could lead to a targeted treatment, but raises concerns about long-term effects on cellular function.
An experimental Zika DNA vaccine VRC5283 reduced virus levels and improved fetal outcomes in pregnant rhesus macaques. The results suggest the vaccine may prevent transmission to humans as well.
A newly discovered protein called Mib1 has been identified as key to successful viral DNA uncoating, enabling adenoviruses to infect cells. The protein's presence is necessary for viral infection, and its inhibition could lead to the development of new anti-viral therapies.
A study by Princeton University researchers found that climate change could lead to more frequent and earlier outbreaks of RSV respiratory infection in North America. The virus' spread is influenced by humidity and rainfall, which are expected to shift northward due to changing weather patterns.
In 2018, Salmonella was responsible for nearly one-third of foodborne outbreaks in the European Union, affecting 48,365 people. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Food Safety Authority report that these outbreaks were mainly linked to eggs.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have made significant progress in developing a novel Zika virus vaccine that prevents infection in pre-clinical models. The vaccine's effectiveness has been demonstrated in mouse models, offering a promising solution to prevent congenital effects in infants born to infected mothers.
A study by Max Delbrück Center researchers explains that avian influenza A viruses are unable to transform infected human cells into effective virus factories due to a lack of the matrix protein M1. The virus requires this protein to export its genetic material from the cell nucleus, which is necessary for building new viruses.
A study found that glioblastoma patients with a history of Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection had a significantly shorter survival rate, highlighting the potential use of HCMV testing to predict treatment outcomes. The presence of HCMV antibodies was linked to a four-month reduction in life expectancy.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have elucidated the structure of a key component of respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus, two closely related viruses causing severe respiratory diseases. The team's findings provide new targets for designing antiviral molecules.
A new study found that an existing antiviral treatment is effective against both the hepatitis C virus and potentially fatal complications such as reduced liver functioning and cirrhosis. The treatment also improves cognitive function, with patients experiencing improved reaction times.
A new study published in the UEG Journal found that young patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of developing severe viral infections. Clinically active IBD and immunomodulators used to treat the condition are identified as main drivers of infection, with thiopurines increasing the risk by six times.
Researchers developed a new tool to predict the global spread of dengue, analyzing travel data and dengue incidence rates. The tool identifies the country of origin for imported cases and forecasts absolute numbers of dengue importations at a global level.
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have discovered that host cell calpain proteases can process enterovirus polyprotein in vitro. This finding sheds light on the mechanism behind the inhibitory effect of calpain protease inhibition on enterovirus infection.
Dr. John V. Williams is recognized for his leading research in respiratory virus biology, particularly human metapneumovirus (HMPV), and significant contributions to pediatric science. He has published molecular epidemiology studies establishing the importance of HMPV and developed candidate vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.
The PALM clinical trial found that investigational drugs mAb114 and REGN-EB3 offered lower mortality rates compared to ZMapp, with mortality rates of 35% and 34%, respectively. Early diagnosis and treatment also improved survival chances.
Researchers have discovered a link between prolonged enterovirus infection and the development of autoimmunity against insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells, which precedes type 1 diabetes. Early adenovirus C infection was found to confer protection from autoimmunity.
Scientists have identified nearly thousand ISG15 sites on protein targets during bacterial infection, revealing a link between ISG15, cellular metabolism, and autophagy. This discovery may lead to novel antimicrobial drugs.
A new National Institutes of Health study reveals that uncommitted neural stems cells generally survive La Crosse virus (LACV) infection, while neurons are more susceptible. Interferon therapy successfully protects neurons from LACV-induced death in a cerebral organoid model.
Researchers found that normal gut bacteria boost norovirus severity in the lower small intestine but block it in the upper small intestine. The study suggests manipulating the gut environment through bile acids or microbiome could stimulate the immune system to shut down norovirus infection.
Eastern equine encephalitis virus is a deadly mosquito-borne illness that has existed for centuries, with a particularly deadly year in the US in 2019. Current research efforts focus on developing vaccines and treatments, but challenges include limited funding and difficulties in reaching target populations.
Researchers at the University of Bern have found that killer cells without TRAIL become 'tamer', producing more messenger molecules to activate other immune cells, and resulting in better protection against viruses. This alternative signaling pathway could be used to reprogram killer cells for cancer immunotherapy.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that mild Zika virus infection in fetuses can lead to abnormal brain development and impaired immunity in young animals. The research provides new insights into the potential outcomes of Zika virus infection and could point to new prevention and treatment strategies.
Researchers found altered immune responses and sex-specific brain abnormalities in healthy pig offspring infected with Zika virus in-utero. The study suggests new strategies to prevent long-term effects of Zika infection.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that the Zika virus protein NS4A disrupts brain growth by hijacking a pathway that regulates the generation of new neurons. The study found that overexpression of Zika protein NS4A causes microcephaly in flies by inhibiting the function of ANKLE2, a cell cycle regulator.
A team of researchers from Ben-Gurion University has developed an innovative approach to kill mosquito larvae by delivering bacteria into the male mosquito's gut during mating. The method uses natural bacteria that produce a toxin only lethal to mosquito larvae, resulting in a targeted and effective biological pest control solution.
Researchers discovered that Tulane virus, a calicivirus similar to human noroviruses, requires intracellular calcium for replication and uses its protein NS1-2 to hijack cellular calcium signaling. This finding suggests that norovirus might use a similar strategy to infect epithelial cells.
Scientists found that azoximer bromide increases the immunogenicity of anti-flu vaccines by tripling their efficiency. The study showed that this adjuvant helps the development of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses.
A WSU study published in Cell Reports demonstrates that mammalian insulin activates an antiviral immunity pathway in mosquitoes, increasing their ability to suppress flavivirus infections. This discovery has the potential to inhibit the spread of West Nile virus and other diseases such as dengue and Zika.
A new study reveals that genetic variations in a single species of bacteria can amplify infection, making it more dangerous than either strain alone. The researchers discovered that when the two strains work together, one produces a toxin that breaks down muscle tissue and enables the other to infect organs.
A team of scientists has developed new ways to forecast dengue infections by combining disease and climate data. The project aimed to predict maximum weekly cases, the week of peak cases, and total season cases, but models still struggle to accurately predict epidemics.
Scientists developed an investigational vaccine that protected cynomolgus macaques against Ebola, Sudan, Marburg, and Lassa viruses, all causing severe disease and death. The quadrivalent VesiculoVax vaccine showed promising results in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that Arctic sea ice reduction facilitates the spread of disease among marine mammals, particularly through open water routes. Widespread exposure to Phocine distemper virus (PDV) was observed in sea mammals across the North Pacific Ocean, peaking in 2003-2004 and again in 2009.
The BfR has developed a digital tool to track product contamination sources, while strategies for reducing Salmonella and Campylobacter infections are discussed. Viral foodborne diseases like hepatitis E and A are also on the agenda.
Researchers at Georgia State University have identified the critical protein Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1), which plays a significant role in triggering an immune response to viral infections. The study found that ZBP1 is essential for restricting West Nile and Zika virus replication, preventing severe disease outcomes.
A study reveals that bats can transmit filoviruses to humans during bat-hunting festivals in Nagaland. The team found antibodies against two distinct filoviruses in human and bat blood samples, suggesting bats are the source of viral spillover events.
Cassava farmers in Tanzania can reduce disease spread by planting susceptible varieties during the long rainy season and disease-resistant ones during the short rainy season. This approach helps minimize quality loss over repeated planting cycles, offering a cost-effective solution for crop production.
Researchers developed a lab-on-a-chip device to observe thousands of individual cells infected with virus, providing new information on infection dynamics. The device allows for the simultaneous observation of multiple cells, enabling researchers to test antiviral compounds and understand their effects.
Researchers discovered that Ebola virus targets and disables T cells, a crucial line of defense, rendering infected individuals less able to combat the infection. This understanding could lead to new insights into immunosuppression and disease development in general.
Emory researchers have secured a $15.89 million NIAID contract to test the antiviral drug EIDD-2801 in human trials. The goal is to develop a better drug against influenza, which kills an average of 20,000 people annually in the US. EIDD-2801 has shown promising results in animal models and is effective against multiple RNA-based viruses.
A new study by University of Minnesota researcher Ryan Langlois provides insights into the immune response to influenza. The research found that infected cells in the lungs can survive the clearance process and actually divide faster than uninfected cells.
A study led by UC San Francisco has found antibodies against enterovirus in the spinal fluid of nearly 70% of AFM patients, but not in non-AFM patients. This evidence suggests that AFM is caused by an enterovirus invading and impairing the central nervous system.
A new study found that a highly diluted version of the Ebola vaccine remains fully protective against disease in monkeys. The findings suggest that the vaccine could be made more available by reducing its dosage, potentially easing production burdens.
A new virus, BeHV, has been found in nearly a third of the US bald eagle population, causing seizures and liver damage. The virus is related to human hepatitis C and was found in eagles without symptoms of the fatal disease, Wisconsin River Eagle Syndrome.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found that more than two-thirds of autistic brains exhibit perivascular lymphocyte cuffing, a characteristic of chronic inflammation. This could explain the origins of autism and provide new diagnostic and treatment options.
Cotton blue disease, caused by Cotton leafroll dwarf virus, was first reported in the US in 2017. Next-generation sequencing revealed characteristic symptoms, including slowed plant growth and loss of chlorophyll.
Cotton blue disease, caused by Cotton leafroll dwarf virus, was reported in the US for the first time in Alabama in 2017. The disease affected approximately 25% of the state's cotton crop and resulted in a 4% yield loss.
A novel virus, lacking structural proteins, was discovered in pigs' feces and found to partner with a 'helper virus' for host cell entry. This unique finding suggests an entirely new system of viral evolution, sparking further research into its mechanisms.
A new BU School of Public Health study reveals people with PTSD are 1.8 times more likely to develop any infection compared to those without the condition. The study found distinct effects on men and women, with PTSD increasing a woman's risk of urinary tract infections, while having a greater impact on men's risk of skin infections.
A team of researchers has developed a method to generate sufficient quantities of Luteoviridae viruses, allowing them to study their structures in high resolution. The technique involves using plant expression technology to create virus-like particles, which can be observed by cryo-electron microscopy.