Articles tagged with Viral Infections
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.
A study found that mortality rates among Ebola survivors after hospital discharge were five times higher than expected in the general population. Those who stayed longer in treatment units had a higher mortality rate due to prolonged acute forms of the disease.
A new mathematical model is comparing the spread of Hepatitis C virus to that of mosquito-borne malaria, sparking creative ideas for reducing transmission. The study suggests replacing infected needles with new ones or changing the ratio of infected to uninfected needles could be effective in preventing the spread.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered three new viruses in endangered Chinook and sockeye salmon populations. The viruses are related to those causing serious disease in other species and may play a role in population dynamics and aquaculture threats.
A new study reveals that livestock managed in a system where they are the sole source of an owner's livelihood are more likely to become infected with PPRV. Herds from pastoral villages had 3.8 times the risk of becoming infected compared to agropastoral villages.
Scientists discovered that viruses alter host plant immunity to deter non-vector insect herbivores, facilitating disease transmission. Geminivirus infection redistributes plant metabolites, inhibiting herbivore growth and production.
A new study suggests transplanting Hepatitis C-infected kidneys to uninfected recipients is safe and can be implemented as a standard of care. This approach could greatly expand the number of available kidneys and reduce waiting times for donors, saving thousands of lives annually.
Researchers developed a reporter system to permanently mark cells infected with chikungunya virus, revealing that marked cells containing most of the persistent RNA can survive for at least 112 days. Treatment with an antibody reduces the number of marked cells in muscle and skin.
Biologists at Columbia University created a detailed map of protein-protein interactions between human-infecting viruses and infected cells. The study revealed insights into Zika virus infection and HPV's role in cancer, with potential implications for diagnostics and vaccine development.
A new assay uses cell-free DNA to identify viruses and bacteria in the human body while also quantifying injuries to organs. This test is simple, fast, low-cost, and generalizable enough to identify thousands of pathogens, making it a major step towards personalizing therapy and making organ transplantation safer.
Researchers have developed a way to detect cells infected with chikungunya virus that survive the infection, shedding light on the cause of chronic viral arthritis. The study found that the virus can persist in muscle and connective tissue cells for up to 114 days after infection.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that natural killer cells are robustly activated and primed for skin-homing during acute dengue virus infection. This activation had completely disappeared after about two months, providing new insights into the immune system's response to viral infections.
Researchers from the University of Córdoba have discovered that high-virulence strains of PRRSV cause earlier and greater damage than low-virulence strains. This study aims to develop vaccines that reduce mortality in the pig sector by understanding the behavior of the virus in infected animals.
Researchers developed a sensitive, portable device that can detect as few as 5-6 norovirus particles per sample, making it suitable for practical applications. The device uses fluorescence to detect norovirus and is compact enough for handheld use, enabling municipal water systems staff to check for the virus in the water supply.
A new study has found that systematic eradication of plants contaminated with the cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) can keep passion fruit orchards producing for at least 25 months. The technique, known as roguing, involves removing weak or diseased plants to prevent the spread of the disease. In experiments conducted in Brazil, ...
A study from the University of California, Davis, identifies the specific strains of Toxoplasma gondii killing southern sea otters as connected to a bobcat and domestic cats from nearby watersheds. The researchers found that infectious agents can spread from cat feces on land to the sea, harming marine wildlife.
Researchers discovered a spike in Zika cases among travelers returning from Cuba in 2017, which was not reported locally. The study found that mosquito control measures may have initially mitigated transmission but need to be maintained.
Scientists at MLU have developed a new method for vaccinating plants against viruses, enabling rapid identification and production of precisely tailored substances. The new method follows the modular principle, allowing for flexible combat against new pests and improving the efficiency of siRNA molecules.
A recent study by the University of Warwick suggests that national livestock movement bans may be economically damaging in controlling Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and bluetongue virus (BTV). The researchers propose that a more localized movement ban could achieve similar disease control outcomes with lower economic costs.
Researchers found that antibodies generated against the Zika virus itself may contribute to birth defects in some pregnancies. The study suggests that a safe vaccine would need to induce protective antibodies while avoiding those that increase the risk of microcephaly.
New research suggests that the risk of developing microcephaly due to Zika virus infection depends on the types of antibodies produced by pregnant mothers. Antibodies from mothers of babies with microcephaly are more effective at neutralizing the virus, but also show enhanced ability to boost viral entry into human cells.
A new study has gained insights into the mechanism of vaccine-induced T cell immunity, shedding light on the regulation, gene expression, and metabolic pathways of T cells. The discovery of a marker, TfR1, suggests that T cell immunity depends on specific metabolites.
A new study finds that enterovirus antibodies were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of most patients with acute flaccid myelitis, suggesting a possible link between the two conditions. The research provides further evidence that enterovirus infection may be a factor in AFM.
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers have identified a molecular switch that impacts immune responses to viral infections, enabling T cells to distinguish between different viruses and controlling protective antibody production. This discovery could lead to more effective vaccines against previously hard-to-prevent viruses.
A team at Colorado State University discovered that Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, a primary vector for West Nile virus, can transmit Rift Valley fever virus to livestock and humans in Colorado. The researchers found that these mosquitoes feed on both humans and livestock, making them a significant threat for potential outbreak.
A new diagnostic approach detects high-risk HPV infection and precancerous markers, improving the ability to diagnose cervical cancer in HPV-positive women. The test has a sensitivity of 97.3% and negative predictive value of 93.8%, making it a promising tool for cervical cancer triage.
ApoE promotes hepatitis B virus infection and production, but targeting it with inhibitors may serve as an antiviral strategy for chronic HBV infection. Research found that apoE is enriched on the virus envelope and its expression impairs HBV production.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology identified the molecular properties of antibodies that neutralize Lassa virus. By understanding these properties, they can create a map for rational vaccine design, aiming to develop effective treatments or vaccines against this deadly disease.
A study explores blood-brain barrier leakage in CNS infections, implicating interferon gamma as a major contributor. Interferon gamma disrupts the barrier by initiating a signaling cascade that changes endothelial cell behavior.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that prior infection with either Zika virus or dengue virus has no apparent effect on the clinical course of subsequent infection with the other virus. This is a significant finding for the development of vaccines against both viruses.
Researchers have identified an unusual hepatitis B virus in shrews, which lacks a key protein essential for chronic infection. This discovery offers new insights into the disease's pathogenesis and may lead to the development of effective treatments.
Scientists have developed an experimental treatment using antisense oligonucleotides that slows the progression of scrapie, a degenerative central nervous disease caused by prions, in laboratory mice. Mice treated with the treatment lived 81% longer than untreated mice, with median survival times of up to 250 days.
Scientists discovered that club lung cells can repair damaged DNA and survive influenza infection, but this resilience may also contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. The findings suggest a double-edged sword in the battle between cells and viruses.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have identified genes that safeguard against Zika viral infection and resuscitate infected cells. The study found that the IFI6 gene provides high levels of protection against the virus, potentially leading to the development of a novel antiviral therapy.
Researchers found that CDC-developed Autocidal Gravid Ovitrap (AGO) traps successfully protected people from chikungunya virus infection in Puerto Rican communities. The study showed a significant reduction in CHIKV seropositivity among participants in intervention areas with AGO traps compared to those without traps.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Indiana University have found that rotavirus induces hundreds of discrete and highly dynamic calcium spikes during peak infection. These spikes can be attenuated by genetically knocking down the virus's NSP4 protein, which disturbs calcium balance within cells.