Research on viral diseases and the response to them. Covers Ebola and mpox, diagnostics, post-viral fatigue, and outbreak control strategies.
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.
Researchers at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have created a single system that can diagnose and treat viral infections using Cas13, a CRISPR RNA-cutting enzyme. The system, called CARVER, reduces viral RNA levels by up to 40-fold in human cells.
Scientists have decoded the immune response to the Ebola vaccine, revealing a broad range of antibodies against the virus. The research, led by Prof. Klein, found that different sites on the envelope protein of the virus were recognized and many antibodies exhibited high neutralising activity.
A new test, COLD-PCR/FMCA, has been developed to diagnose and manage chronic hepatitis B with high sensitivity and precision. It can simultaneously assess several indicators important for optimal patient management, including HBV DNA, genotypes, and mutant DNA.
Researchers at Georgia State University isolated gut bacteria that can prevent and cure rotavirus infection, the leading cause of severe diarrhea in children worldwide. The discovery may lead to possible treatments and preventive measures for rotavirus infection.
Researchers discovered a 'senescence' pattern in influenza virus surface protein mutations, making it harder to predict future changes. This understanding can improve vaccine strain selection, ultimately enhancing protection against seasonal flu outbreaks.
A new study by NIH scientists found that a 40% household bleach solution can inactivate chronic wasting disease prions within 5 minutes, providing a potential method for decontaminating hunting and meat processing equipment.
New insights into the influenza virus polymerase have revealed that its subunits co-evolve to guarantee proper levels of dimerization and optimal inter-subunit cooperation. This finding has significant implications for the development of novel antiviral drugs targeting viral RNA replication.
New research reveals that maternal exposure to industrial pollution can harm offspring's immune system and pass on the weakness to subsequent generations. The study, conducted in mice, suggests that this multigenerational weakening of the immune system could explain variations in responses to flu infection.
Researchers used mathematical models and computer simulations to explain why multipartite viruses predominantly infect plants, rather than animals. The studies found that these viruses can colonize structured populations with less resistance, making them more advantageous for plant hosts.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine identified CXCR6 and CXCL16 as critical molecules for T cells to travel to and populate the lungs. This discovery could lead to designing adjuvants that recruit CD8 T cells into the airways, potentially reducing symptoms or preventing infection.
A recent study has identified FHL1 protein as a crucial cellular factor for the replication and pathogenesis of chikungunya virus. The researchers found that FHL1 interacts with viral protein nsP3 to facilitate viral infection, making it a promising target for antiviral development.
Researchers have scrutinized West Nile virus and its transmission cycle, demonstrating the need for a one health approach. The body of knowledge built since 1999 is empowering efforts to minimize West Nile virus impact and prevent other mosquito-borne diseases.
A recent study reveals that dengue virus mutations in its E protein can render vaccines and treatments ineffective. The findings also suggest that lab-adapted strains may not accurately represent clinical strains, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers found that ethanol-based sanitizers can't fully deactivate influenza A viruses in wet mucus, requiring nearly four minutes of exposure. Washing hands with antiseptic soap deactivates the virus within 30 seconds, regardless of mucus consistency.
A new study demonstrates that a mutant live attenuated Ebola virus vaccine protects non-human primates against infection, targeting the immune-evasion function of VP35. The researchers developed a virus with three mutations in the VP35 protein, which plays a critical role in evading host immune responses.
A study by Georgia State University researchers found that creating mutations in the VP35 protein of the Ebola virus can make it unable to cause disease. The mutated virus was able to induce strong immune responses in non-human primates, protecting them from infection with wildtype Ebola virus.
Researchers found that bat influenza viruses acquire specific amino acid mutations in hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), enabling NA-independent growth. These changes facilitate viral spread without relying on the HA protein.
Brazilian researchers used computational tools to analyze blood cells from patients infected with chikungunya virus, identifying genes associated with the disease and potential biomarkers of predisposition to chronic joint pain. The study suggests that certain gene signatures can be explored as therapeutic targets.
Research suggests that anemia, characterized by low levels of iron in the blood, can facilitate the colonization and multiplication of the dengue virus in mosquitoes. Iron supplementation may potentially reduce the transmission of dengue fever to mosquitoes in affected areas.
A recent analysis reveals that kidneys from donors infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are now routinely used in transplants at many US centers. These organs function just as well as uninfected kidneys throughout the first year after transplantation, providing strong evidence for their safe and effective use.
A recent study found that rabbit and mouse papillomaviruses can be transferred by blood to their respective hosts, raising the possibility of human papillomavirus (HPV) transmission through blood in humans. The researchers also detected HPV sequences in mucous membranes like the tongue and genitals, as well as in the stomach.
A new study by the University of Turku and Tampere University found that chronic enteroviral infection can modify broadly pancreatic cellular functions, including alterations in protein expression and secretion. The study suggests that such infections may have adverse health effects, particularly on the development of type 1 diabetes.
Researchers found that Zika virus replicates in adult human brain tissue and impairs synapse function and memory in infected mice. The study showed that the virus causes a strong inflammatory response, leading to microglia activation and synapse damage, resulting in memory loss.
A University of Minnesota researcher has been awarded a $3.9 million NIH grant to develop novel vaccine strategies for cytomegalovirus (CMV), the most common infection causing birth defects and disabilities in US babies. The research aims to prevent congenital transmission of CMV by targeting pregnant women.
A Harvard Medical School study maps the genetics of early TB progression, identifying gene variants that control immune functions as key drivers. The research paves the way for personalized tests to predict who is at risk for early disease onset, potentially informing vaccines or drugs to prevent the disease.