Articles tagged with Viral Infections
Researchers at UTMB have discovered that the Asian lineage of the Zika virus halts brain stem cell proliferation and hinders their ability to develop into brain nerve cells. This finding provides insight into the mechanisms behind Zika-induced microcephaly, a serious birth defect characterized by small brain and head development.
Researchers discovered a single mutation, T198F, that increases accessibility of a hidden protein region to antibodies, reducing West Nile virus infectivity and disease severity. This finding may pave the way for new vaccines and antiviral drugs.
A mouse study has identified granzyme A as a protein that promotes arthritic inflammation after chikungunya virus infection. The study suggests that granzyme A could serve as a potential target for new drugs to treat chikungunya-related arthritis in humans.
Researchers at the University of Kent have found that Ebolaviruses require fewer than five mutations to adapt to new host species, including rodents. This finding highlights the potential for these viruses to spread beyond their natural range and increase the risk to humans.
A previously unknown mechanism involved in the immune response has been identified, which could provide an alternative therapy target for lupus patients. Oxidative stress in cells triggers the clustering of a protein that normally signals an immune system pathway during viral infections.
Scientists have developed a new system to aid identification of potential drug targets and treatments for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The system uses genetic engineering techniques to quickly test the effects of chemicals on viral growth, identifying compounds that can block HPV replication.
A recent study published in Immunity reveals how killer cells coordinate with dendritic cells to create an army of immune cells. The research, conducted by the University of Bonn, found that killer cells form a team and trigger chemical signals to recruit other cell types, leading to a coordinated and strong immune response.
Researchers discovered that human umbilical endothelial cells are more susceptible to Zika infection, allowing it to access the fetal bloodstream. The virus uses a cell surface molecule called AXL to exploit a secret passage, enabling it to cause birth defects such as microcephaly and eye damage.
Researchers developed a new scale to predict patient outcomes, finding that malaria co-infection, age extremes, and delayed healthcare seeking behavior are key predictors of mortality. The scoring system achieved high accuracy rates of 91% at triage and 97% after triage.
A novel mRNA vaccine has shown promise in protecting mice and monkeys against Zika virus infection. The vaccine, which uses messenger RNA to produce Zika virus proteins, was found to be highly effective in preventing the virus in both animal models.
Researchers investigated using two approved autoimmune drugs to reduce joint swelling in mice infected with Chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne illness with no known therapies. Fingolimid and Abatacept showed promise in stopping T cell trafficking and inflammation, potentially paving the way for new treatments.
A combination of a rheumatoid arthritis drug and an antiviral targeting the chikungunya virus eliminates signs of arthritis in mice at its earliest stage. The treatment shows promise for patients with no existing treatment options, with further studies planned to investigate human efficacy.
Researchers found a peptide called STAT6-IP can reduce inflammation and 'twitchy' airways in mice infected with RSV. The treatment, administered at neonatal stage, significantly reduced asthma-like responses upon adult re-infection.
A team at Rockefeller University has discovered an antibody signature that may increase the risk of severe secondary dengue infections. The study found that patients with more serious disease have high levels of antibodies whose Fc regions lack a particular sugar, which strongly activate immune cells and lead to bleeding disorders.
Enteroviruses cause millions of infections worldwide, with infant fatality rates approaching 20 percent. A new study uses a miniature gut model to reveal how these viruses enter the intestine, targeting specific cells and facilitating bloodstream entry.
A recent study has provided the first details of how enteroviruses, which cause millions of infections worldwide annually, may enter the body through the intestine. The researchers used a mini-gut model to demonstrate that echovirus 11 induced significant damage to intestinal cells, facilitating passage into the bloodstream.
A recent surge of human A(H7N9) cases in China has raised concerns among EU citizens, particularly those living or visiting affected areas. People traveling to China are advised to avoid direct exposure to poultry and live markets, while those presenting with respiratory symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
Research highlights the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in regulating immune responses to viral infections. These cells have been shown to directly alter the viral infectious process, posing challenges for developing antiviral therapies.
Researchers at MIT have developed sensors that can detect single protein molecules, enabling the tracking of viral infection, monitoring cellular manufacturing of proteins, and revealing food contamination. The sensors utilize chemically modified carbon nanotubes coated with DNA aptamers, which can bind to specific target proteins.
Researchers discovered a reduction in brain tissue and increased fluid accumulation in the upper brain of Zika-infected fetuses. The study, which included 7 cases, found a significant difference in total brain volume and intracranial volume between Zika-exposed fetuses and healthy controls.
Researchers have found that Zika virus alters the expression of hundreds of genes responsible for guiding brain cell formation, leading to microcephaly. The study reveals new therapeutic targets by analyzing molecular interactions in infected brain cells.
Researchers at UC San Diego are working on developing new treatments for Zika virus infections and ovarian cancer using stem cell-derived natural killer cells. They have already reported promising results, suggesting that some FDA-approved drugs may be effective against the virus.
Scientists have identified a 'molecular barcode' in blood samples from Ebola patients that can predict survival or death. The analysis provides data on the underlying causes of Ebola virus infection and suggests a potential diagnostic tool to guide treatment strategies.
H5Nx viruses, spreading globally through migratory wild birds, display a binding protein on their surfaces that allows them to exit host cells. This adaptation may render them less able to spread to humans, but not rule out eventual evolution to infect people.
Researchers at UM SOM and SOD published 22 articles on infectious agents, vaccines, and immune system activation. Studies focused on Ebola, Clostridium difficile, biofilms, and other topics, advancing knowledge in infection and immunity research.
Researchers have identified nanchangmycin as a potent inhibitor of Zika virus entry into human cells, including endothelial and placental cells. This finding represents a 'stepping stone' towards the development of a new class of anti-virals that target the same mode of entry used by other viruses like West Nile and dengue.
Researchers have discovered that plant-derived products, such as proanthocyanidin (PAC), can inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) entry into host cells and potentially treat treatment-resistant strains. PAC also enhances the effectiveness of antiviral drugs like tenofovir, offering a promising new approach to combatting HBV.
Researchers used a new mouse model to study how the Ebola virus affects the immune system, focusing on cellular signaling events. They found that macrophages play a critical role in controlling EBOV infection by producing MAVS, which helps limit organ damage and promotes type I interferon production.
Researchers found that bacteria alters molecules in a tick's gut, allowing it to enter and colonize the gut microbes. This finding could help scientists develop strategies to block tick-borne agents causing disease.
A team of researchers has found that certain anti-influenza compounds can also inhibit Zika virus infection, providing a potential new treatment for the disease. The study, published in Antiviral Research, shows that these compounds target host cell factors, making them effective against viruses that mutate easily.
Researchers emphasize the need for continued study of Zika virus due to its serious complications and the importance of developing effective vaccines and treatments. Lessons learned from other arboviruses like West Nile and Chikungunya highlight the risks of fading interest in diseases that transition to endemicity.
Researchers have identified a new virus as the cause of congenital tremors in newborn piglets, a potentially life-threatening disease. The discovery represents a significant diagnostic breakthrough, enabling detection through molecular methods and highlighting the risk of sexual transmission.
Researchers at UC San Diego have documented how large viruses reprogram bacterial cells to resemble animal or human cells, allowing them to mass-produce new viral particles that eventually kill the infected cells. The study reveals a previously unknown mechanism of viral replication in bacteria.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that CD8+ T cells, a subset of killer T cells, control Zika infection and limit disease severity. The study provides a new tool to track Zika-specific T cells, which can help understand the virus's transmission and neurological complications.
Researchers genetically modified mosquitoes to resist infection from dengue virus, boosting their natural ability to fight the disease. The findings could be a prelude to developing a strategy to eliminate the threat of dengue.
A multidisciplinary team of University of Miami physicians published a case study detailing the nation's first locally-transmitted case of Zika. The study highlights the skin rash associated with the virus and its potential implications for future Zika screening and diagnoses.
A University of California, Riverside researcher is leading a team studying the life cycles of harmful viruses. The goal is to understand viral capsid dynamics to develop new approaches to curb infections.
Researchers genetically engineered Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to resist dengue fever virus by altering the JAK/STAT pathway, resulting in a 78-83% reduction in viral copies. The modified mosquitos had normal lifespans but produced fewer eggs.
Researchers discovered flaviviruses like Dengue and Zika use an unexpected mechanism to hijack human cell machinery, suppressing translation initiation while promoting viral protein synthesis. This finding may reveal new targets for designing antiviral therapies.
Researchers have found that Aravive-S6 can inhibit Zika infection of human glial cells, adding to its previously reported anticancer properties. The study suggests a potential antiviral role for the molecule in treating neurological disorders caused by the virus.
The 'test and treat' scheme aims to reduce GP consultations and antibiotic prescriptions, but lacks robust evaluation and may not be cost-effective. The NHS England plan is based on limited data from a small pilot, which raises concerns about its scalability and potential impact.
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a novel strategy for controlling viral diseases by targeting the interaction between a viral effector protein and a host hormone. The study found that the cucumber mosaic virus manipulates plants to release odors attractive to aphids, which transmit the virus.
A new study published in Diabetologia suggests that enterovirus infections are associated with the onset of autoimmunity in children who develop type 1 diabetes. The study found a higher incidence of enterovirus infections in children with T1D compared to control children, particularly those who developed islet autoantibodies.
A widespread outbreak of RSV and HMPV in a long-term dementia care ward infected 73% of patients, emphasizing the need for improved protocols to protect vulnerable residents. The facility has since implemented active screening, efficient separation, and partnered with a private laboratory for rapid respiratory viral testing.
Scientists discovered Ebola virus RNA lingering in the lungs of a recovering patient for about five days after it cleared from blood. The findings support the possibility of active replication in the lungs, raising potential roles for lung infection in the disease's pathogenesis and transmission.
Michigan State University has secured a $1 million USAID grant to build a mosquito factory in Yucatan, Mexico, to combat the Zika virus. The project aims to use Wolbachia bacteria to reduce mosquito populations and prevent disease transmission.
Gene therapy for liver disease is advancing with the help of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, offering new therapeutic possibilities. The article discusses preclinical and clinical studies that have led to a better understanding of immune responses to AAV gene therapy.
A newly discovered virus infecting the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats could help scientists track its spread. The variation in the viral genome provides clues about how the disease is moving, enabling researchers to better understand its epidemiology.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a shortened five-day antimicrobial treatment regimen for middle ear infections in young children is less effective than the standard 10-day regimen. The study also failed to show a significant reduction in antibiotic resistance threat.
Researchers at TSRI reveal precisely how popular flu treatment Arbidol works, stopping the virus from entering host cells. The study's findings could guide the development of future broad-spectrum therapeutics against influenza virus.
Researchers found that a genetic mutation in protein NOD1 increases susceptibility to human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Studies with human cells and mice showed decreased CMV replication when NOD1 was activated, suggesting a key role in controlling the virus.
Scientists found that female mice are more susceptible to vaginal Zika virus infection during a specific stage of their reproductive cycle. The study suggests that sex hormones play a role in allowing the virus to establish itself in the reproductive tract and spread beyond it.
Researchers confirm live Zika virus infects reproductive tract, replicates and causes disease in mouse models. Hormonal injection timing affects vulnerability to infection, with diestrus-infected mice showing no signs of disease despite viral persistence.
Researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have developed a novel chikungunya vaccine using an insect-specific virus that doesn't affect humans. The new vaccine elicits strong immune defenses and protects mice and nonhuman primates from disease when exposed to the chikungunya virus.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Zika-linked abnormalities in human fetuses are more common and severe than initially thought. Out of 125 pregnancies among Zika-infected women, 46% resulted in birth defects or fetal death, with microcephaly being only one of several complications.
Researchers have identified two neutralizing antibodies against Zika virus that exclusively target the virus, demonstrating high specificity and protecting mice from infection. These antibodies, Z23 and Z3L1, block infection by targeting the virus' envelope protein, offering potential hope for preventative and treatment approaches.
Researchers analyzed genetic sequences of the virus and found specific mutations that occurred as it crossed the Pacific Ocean, suggesting new hypotheses for its association with microcephaly and GBS. The analysis also revealed potential relationships between viral infection and severe symptoms in adults and infants.
Researchers developed algorithms to track Ebola epidemic spread, revealing that most infected individuals stayed within their districts. The study's findings suggest using this method could inform effective control measures for new emerging epidemics.
A genetic variant in the CXCL16 gene determines whether stallions become long-term carriers of equine arteritis virus. The study found that a specific allele codes for a protein that acts as an entry receptor for the virus, leading to persistence in carrier state.
Current knowledge on EVD in great apes highlights the link between ape outbreaks and human transmission through bushmeat consumption. Vaccination of wild apes could reduce both human and animal risk but feasibility is questionable due to elusive ape habitats.