Research on viral diseases and the response to them. Covers Ebola and mpox, diagnostics, post-viral fatigue, and outbreak control strategies.
A combination of two cancer drugs has been found to inhibit both dengue and Ebola virus infections in mice, with efficacy also shown against West Nile and Zika viruses. The study identified a molecular mechanism by which the drugs disrupt RNA viruses' genetic material.
A new study aims to improve detection of viral pathogens in water resources by developing more accurate DNA sequencing methods. The research has the potential to enhance public health and safety, particularly in areas where conventional methods are limited due to viral diversity.
Researchers from Vanderbilt University have identified specific genes that make Wolbachia, a parasitic bacterium, effective in controlling mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika. The 'super-Wolbachia' gene can be used to genetically engineer insects to spread the bacteria more rapidly.
Researchers developed a forecasting model to predict WNV outbreaks, generating accurate forecasts for mosquito infection rates and human cases up to nine weeks prior. This method could give public health officials more time to plan for mosquito control efforts, potentially reducing the number of cases and deaths.
Scientists have produced gene-edited pigs with a modified CD163 gene, showing complete resistance to infection with both major subtypes of the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus. The change is introduced using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and should not affect their ability to fight off other infections.
Scientists have developed a new mouse model with a healthy immune system to study the Zika virus. The model allows researchers to investigate the immune response to Zika, which could lead to advances in vaccine development and treatment strategies.
Duke researchers have identified a group of proteins detected in specific quantities in the mucous, which are 86 percent accurate in confirming the infection is from a cold or flu virus. The discovery aims to develop a quick, noninvasive test to determine the cause of upper respiratory illness and appropriate treatment.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System found that asthma drugs Accolate and Singulair may prevent severe pneumonia by blocking the infection of alveolar air sacs. Early treatment with these drugs could potentially reduce mortality rates from influenza pneumonia, which can be deadly.
The first Iberian lynx infected with the pseudorabies virus has been identified, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect this endangered species. The study found that the virus can have a negative impact on wild Iberian lynxes under threat of extinction, and researchers suggest vaccination as a potential strategy.
A new mouse model reveals that the Zika virus can cross the placenta and lead to high percentages of miscarriages and thin brain tissue in babies. The study's findings suggest a mechanism by which the virus may be evading antiviral proteins, highlighting potential targets for treatment or vaccine development.
A new study investigated the potential role of North American animals as hosts for Zika virus. Researchers tested common animal species, including goats, pigeons, raccoons, and ducks, for infectious virus presence and antibodies. The findings suggest that these animals may serve as an unseen reservoir for Zika virus in urban environments.
A recent study found that using a rabbit virus, myxoma virus, reduced tumor burden in preclinical studies and led to complete eradication of disease in a quarter of animals. The treatment elicited a strong immune response, suggesting its potential as a novel therapy for multiple myeloma.
The NIH is conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial to test an investigational vaccine called AGS-v, designed to trigger an immune response to mosquito saliva. The goal is to provide broad protection against mosquito-transmitted diseases such as Zika, malaria, and dengue fever.
A new model developed by Georgia Tech professor Eva Lee recommends response strategies for infectious diseases like Zika, with a focus on early intervention and containment methods. The model suggests that 20% compliance rate can reduce total infections by half in Brazil during the Zika outbreak.
Researchers have successfully protected mice against Zika by injecting synthetic messenger RNA that encodes for virus proteins into the animals. The vaccine triggers an immune response and prevents viral replication in 95% of the mice.
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.