Articles tagged with Viral Infections
A new T-cell therapy approach is being tested to help fight active viral infections in children with severe immune deficiencies. The therapy uses 'viral specific' T-cells that are engineered to target three common and potentially toxic viruses: EBV, CMV, and adenovirus.
A record 1.76 million people with hepatitis C were treated in 2016, but most countries are running out of patients to treat due to low diagnosis rates. Countries must boost diagnosis rates to achieve elimination targets by 2030.
Nine countries are making progress towards eliminating hepatitis C, thanks to innovative approaches and increased funding. Brazil, Egypt, Australia, and Georgia are leading the way with mass screenings, vaccination campaigns, and risk-sharing agreements.
The UK is struggling to find undiagnosed hepatitis C patients due to lack of awareness about deadly virus and new treatment drugs. Experts estimate that at least 100,000 people remain undiagnosed, threatening the country's goal to eliminate the disease by 2030.
Researchers have created artificial codes to regulate viral assembly, outperforming natural codes in efficiency. The new understanding of viral self-assembly codes could lead to breakthroughs in cancer therapy and immunization.
Researchers discovered that Zika virus is transmitted from mother to fetus by infected microglia cells, which later develop into the brain's defense system. The finding suggests a potential therapeutic target for reducing Zika transmission and offers hope for preventing devastating neurological damage.
Scientists have identified a new player in viral infection, revealing how certain long noncoding RNAs can aid viruses in hijacking host cells. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding host-virus interactions to develop effective antiviral strategies.
Researchers discovered a virus-like particle vaccine can prime the immune response and prevent severe respiratory disease caused by RSV vaccine. The study found immunizing mice with RSV fusion proteins before administering the FI-RSV vaccine prevented lung inflammation and eosinophil invasion.
Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham have solved the last unknown protein structure of HIV-1, which helps understand how the virus infects human cells and assembles progeny viruses. The cytoplasmic tail of gp41 protein plays a crucial role in virus assembly and replication.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have successfully characterized a highly pathogenic avian virus that is both lethal and transmissible in ferrets. The study suggests that this virus strain could become a potential public health threat if it undergoes further mutations, making it resistant to existing treatments.
A multidisciplinary team has developed a novel platform to diagnose infectious diseases at the point-of-care using a smartphone and credit card-sized test kit. The system achieves detection limits comparable to laboratory-based methods in about 30 minutes, enabling rapid diagnosis and improved disease control.
Researchers identified a link between lower levels of defective viral RNA molecules and increased flu severity. The findings suggest that these molecules could serve as a general marker for predicting disease severity in influenza A virus-infected patients.
Scientists found that H7N9 avian flu viruses can spread among ferrets via respiratory droplets and are minimally responsive to commonly used antiviral drugs. The study also shows that these viruses have a high potential for pandemic due to their efficient replication in human airway cells and the lungs of animal models.
Researchers have identified key pathways and mechanisms underlying viruses and infections, opening new avenues for treatment. The studies found that targeting the Hedgehog pathway may reduce severity of flu symptoms and could lead to effective treatments for anthrax infection.
The UMass Amherst TickReport service is expanding its public health mission with a recent NIH grant and collaboration with L2 Diagnostics to study Borrelia miyamotoi, a tick-transmitted bacterium causing infection and disease in the US, Europe, and Asia. Researchers will conduct human testing on people who submitted B. miyamotoi-positi...
A study published in JAMA found a strong association between Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barré syndrome in Puerto Rico. The study identified acute Zika virus infection as a significant risk factor for GBS, highlighting the need for further investigation into the pathophysiology of Zika virus infection.
Researchers have developed a novel reagent to detect rare B cells indicating successful vaccination in veterinary animals. The method will be widely applicable for demonstrating immunity to other veterinary pathogens.
A new meta-analysis shows that procalcitonin reduces relative mortality by 14% and antibiotic side effects by 25% in patients with respiratory infections. This biomarker can help medical experts diagnose infectious diseases and tailor treatment strategies.
Researchers discovered 96 transcription regulatory sequences (TRSs) used by arterivirus Simian hemorrhagic fever virus to produce subgenomic messenger RNAs, exceeding the previously reported nine TRSs. The study found that multiple TRSs are involved in producing structural proteins and alternative reading frames.
After a 10-year absence, Usutu virus has reemerged in both blackbirds and humans, particularly in Austria and Hungary. Genetic analysis reveals that the viruses circulating in these regions are closely related to those found in Italy, demonstrating inter-country transmission of viral strains.
A new AI model called druGAN enables the generation of novel molecules with desired properties, surpassing previous GAN-based approaches. The model uses reinforcement learning to generate effective molecular graphs, paving the way for improved pharmaceuticals.
Researchers at NYU School of Medicine discovered that calcium flow into cells controls the activation of genes involved in glucose metabolism, enabling T cells to multiply. The study's findings have implications for autoimmune diseases and may lead to new treatments.
A new study reveals how rabies induces frenzied behavior in animals by binding to and inhibiting brain receptors, leading to the transmission of the disease. The research provides a molecular mechanism for this behavior change, shedding light on why rabies is devastating in poor, rural regions.
A study by University of Utah Health found that 7% of US athletes and staff infected with mosquito-borne viruses during the 2016 Rio Olympics were positive for West Nile virus, Dengue fever, and Chikungunya. Most had mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, highlighting the importance of post-travel diagnostics.
Scientists develop an antibody-based Zika virus therapeutic that protects monkeys from infection and neutralizes the virus. The treatment has been shown to be effective in preventing Zika virus replication in rhesus macaques.
A collaborative study has found that a combination of three monoclonal antibodies prevents Zika virus infection in primates. The treatment completely blocked the virus from taking hold in the animals, indicating a promising intervention to protect uninfected pregnant women and their fetuses.
The Congenital Zika Virus Program at Children's National evaluated 36 women and their fetuses, revealing that 89% had been bitten by Zika-tainted mosquitoes or exposed via sex with an infected partner. Tragically, four fetuses suffered severe birth defects, leading to two non-viable pregnancies and one infant death.
A new DNA-based Zika vaccine candidate has demonstrated both safety and the ability to elicit an immune response against Zika in humans. The phase 1 clinical trial showed that participants produced an immune response against Zika with minimal adverse effects.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have identified a Zika virus mutation that contains a sugar in its protein envelope, which may help the virus enter the brain. This discovery could explain why the virus became more lethal during outbreaks in the Caribbean and South America.
A phase 1 clinical trial demonstrated the safety and ability of a new DNA-based Zika vaccine to elicit an immune response against the virus, with 100% of participants developing Zika-specific antibodies. The vaccine also showed promise in preventing infection in immunocompromised mice.
A new study by Midwestern University found that physical and occupational therapists are at increased risk of contracting CMV due to lack of knowledge on prevention methods. The study highlights the need for educational initiatives to address the knowledge gap among these healthcare professionals.
Researchers identified a tiny viral protein, 3B3, that plays a key role in the replication of foot-and-mouth disease virus. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective vaccines against the disease.
A study published in Nature Immunology has found that a specific type of immune cell, called T follicular regulatory cells, plays a crucial role in preventing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus after viral infections. These cells prevent the generation of self-reactive antibody responses whil...
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic found that TRPV1 protein plays a critical role in airway disease through mucus production, cough reflex stimulation and airway narrowing. The study suggests that targeting this protein may lead to new strategies to reduce the impact of RSV infections in both asthmatic and non-asthmatic children.
A new study identifies RC-101 as a potential protective agent against flu and other infections. The protein targets the virus and inflammation, improving symptoms and mortality rates in animal models.
Researchers identified retrocyclin-101 (RC-101) as a potential protective agent against flu infection, showing improved symptoms and reduced mortality in animal models. RC-101 targets the influenza virus and inflammation, offering a new tool in the fight against this deadly disease.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute developed artificial peptide molecules that neutralize a broad range of influenza virus strains. The peptides show high binding affinity and potent ability to neutralize infections with these viruses.
A recent study has found that natural killer cells play an important role in protecting against CMV-induced hearing loss in mice. The interaction between NK cells and the viral protein m157 is crucial in preventing hearing loss, with mice lacking this interaction being more susceptible to hearing loss.
New study reveals integrated HBV DNA as a significant source of HBsAg, expanding understanding of HBV biology and host interactions. The findings have important implications for future trial design and endpoint expectations for new therapies developed to cure chronic HBV.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii aim to develop strategies to prevent Zika virus transmission to the fetus and treat patients infected with the virus. Dr. Mukesh Kumar will work on understanding how the virus is transmitted and developed effective therapeutics.
The Center for Solutions for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CfS for ME/CFS) will pursue basic research and develop tools to monitor illness progression, while working closely with the ME/CFS community through partnerships and outreach.
Researchers found that the Ebola virus exploits a protein called Tim-1 in T-cells to spread and cause disease. The study suggests that blocking this protein could lead to effective treatments for Ebola.
A potential Zika vaccine has shown to completely prevent infection, transmission from pregnant mothers to developing fetuses and protect males against testicular infection and injury. The vaccine also prevents a lowered sperm count after one vaccination.
A new study shows an antibody that prevents dengue disease also protects mice from Zika. Administering the antibody soon after infection can protect fetuses from Zika-related birth defects.
Scientists discovered that antibodies taken from dengue patients are effective in treating zika infection in rodents and even protect unborn pups. The discovery could lead to a single therapy to protect against both viral threats if replicated in humans.
A study by Northeastern University expert Marco Ajelli found that people who spend less time outdoors are less likely to contract the Zika virus. However, a small group of people who spend large amounts of time outdoors are at high risk for infection and can spread the disease quickly.
Researchers used PET imaging to study brain inflammation following Zika virus infection in mice, finding a 2- to 6-fold increase in global brain neuroinflammation over time. The technology allows for longitudinal studies of the same animal during the course of the infection, providing enhanced information about disease progression.
Researchers test antiviral therapy to halt progressive hearing loss in children with confirmed CMV infection, finding that treatment may prevent further damage and improve outcomes for those infected.
A new EHR-based prompt increased HCV screening rates among baby boomers from 7.6% to 72%, while also facilitating follow-up care for infected patients. The streamlined process led to a significant increase in HCV treatment prescriptions, with 67% of newly diagnosed patients receiving curative treatment.
New research reveals sepsis disrupts immune system function by impairing TRM recruitment to infected skin, increasing risk of life-threatening secondary infections. In mice, sepsis stymied TRM's ability to recruit bystander T and B cells to fight infection.
Two new studies published in the Journal of AAPOS found that all 70 infants with suspected and confirmed CZS had visual impairment, regardless of ocular abnormalities. Cortical visual impairment may be the most common cause of blindness among children with CZS.
Researchers use viral kinetic models to increase understanding of influenza biology and antiviral pharmacology, identifying sources of variation between individuals. These models have been used to support dose optimization and clinical development of potential influenza therapies.
A recent study explores how infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) spreads among juvenile hatchery-raised fish in the Pacific Northwest. Modeling reveals that returning adults and within-hatchery juvenile-to-juvenile transmission are efficient pathways of IHNV spread.
A multi-center study found significant racial and ethnic differences in antibiotic prescribing for viral acute respiratory tract infections in pediatric Emergency Departments. Non-Latino white children were nearly twice as likely to receive antibiotics, while Latino and black children received lower rates of unnecessary prescriptions.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a treatment for Lassa fever that provides 100% protection against the deadly virus in nonhuman primates, even when administered up to eight days after exposure. The treatment uses monoclonal antibodies and has been shown to be well-tolerated.
Researchers found that Zika virus can kill glioblastoma stem cells, which are resistant to standard treatments. The virus targets these cells without harming noncancerous brain cells, making it a promising potential treatment option.
Researchers identified distinct gene expression patterns and immune signatures associated with asymptomatic dengue infections, revealing a supporting role for T cell protection. These findings could optimize vaccine development efforts by understanding what types of immune responses are important in defending the body against the disease.
A team of researchers discovered a way to treat severe inflammation from mosquito-borne diseases like Chikungunya and Ross River virus. They developed an NLRP3 inhibitor drug MCC950, which provided significant relief from inflammation and disease in infected mice.
Researchers identify MARCO as a key adenovirus receptor on macrophage cells, enabling viral invasion and triggering an inflammatory response. This discovery has implications for gene therapy and the development of medications to block the receptor
A new study found that Zika virus preferentially replicates in the female reproductive tract after vaginal transmission, suggesting a higher risk of fetal Zika disease. The research used rhesus macaques to investigate the effects of mosquito and sexual transmission on Zika infection.