Articles tagged with Influenza Viruses
Researchers discovered immune cells that can recognise influenza (flu) viruses even as they mutate, providing a potential solution to the annual updates of flu vaccines. The study found that certain T cells, which play a critical role in fighting infections, can detect multiple flu strains, even those that have evolved over a century.
A broadly neutralizing antibody has been shown to protect monkeys against severe H5N1 avian flu disease. The antibody's stable structure ensures it can withstand virus variants, providing universal protection against a globally spreading airborne infection. Serum levels of the antibody remained stable for up to 12 weeks.
Researchers have discovered novel antiviral compounds from Antarctic fungus and developed effective methods to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 virus using UV-C light and ozone gas. Additionally, bleach and ethanol solutions have been found to remove over 99% of mpox virus, while a new class of quaternary phosphonium compounds has been identified...
A cohort study found COVID-19 to be associated with more severe disease outcomes compared to influenza and RSV during the 2022-2023 season. Vaccination attenuated these differences in severity and long-term mortality rates.
Researchers discover how cigarette smoke alters the function of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a key type of immune cell in the lungs. This impairment increases susceptibility to respiratory infections and worsens chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A novel diagnostic system called TwinDemic Detection offers simultaneous and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus. The system has a detection limit of 0.46 picomolar for CoV and 0.39 pM for IAV, correctly predicting positive and negative samples in high percentages.
Researchers at Texas Biomed identified nine mutations in a bird flu strain from a person in Texas that enable it to more easily replicate in human cells and cause severe disease. Approved antivirals still effectively combat the virus, according to mouse studies.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered an antibody-like molecule, E10, that can protect mice from various influenza viruses. The molecule targets a conserved part of the virus's surface protein shared across multiple influenza types, providing effective protection against seasonal epidemics.
The NIH and its partners remain focused on monitoring the H5N1 virus, which has caused sporadic infections among wild birds and poultry farms. Researchers highlight four keys to controlling the current outbreak: timely collaborations, disease surveillance, medical countermeasures, and precautions to prevent exposure.
A new study by La Jolla Institute for Immunology researchers suggests that many people may already have immune cells on standby to combat the H5N1 virus. The study found similarities between H5N1 and seasonal influenza viruses, allowing scientists to predict cross-reactive T cell responses that could help decrease disease severity.
A new system can quickly identify emerging virus variants and provide information on their genetic changes, helping to understand why they spread differently in human populations. This enables the development of more effective vaccines and targeted treatments for diseases such as flu, COVID, and tuberculosis.
According to a new survey, over half of U.S. adults believe the RSV vaccine is effective in protecting infants from the virus, up from 42% last year. The rise in perceived effectiveness comes as several politicians have cast doubt on the vaccine's safety and efficacy.
A study by the University of Surrey found that high-quality face masks reduce transmission risk by ninefold and doubling indoor air ventilation cuts it by nearly a third. Improving ventilation and physical distancing further minimizes the risk.
The researchers have revealed the precise positioning of RNA molecules and their interactions with the protective coat. This breakthrough enables the design of new drug molecules capable of binding to the protein coat, weakening viral RNA and inhibiting influenza virus replication.
A new Stanford University study found that influenza viruses can persist in refrigerated raw milk for up to five days, raising concerns about potential transmission pathways. The researchers also discovered that the viral RNA remained detectable in raw milk for at least 57 days.
Researchers discovered a single mutation in the H5N1 virus that improves its ability to attach to human cells, potentially making it easier for humans to become infected. The study's findings stress the importance of continued genomic surveillance and public health preparedness to monitor potential genetic changes.
Researchers developed a microfluidic chip that can measure memory B cells' binding affinity to flu virus, helping track immunity. The device, Shear Activated Cell Sorting (SACS), can compare how well cells bind to original and new variants.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered that pregnancy enhances the body's natural immunity to block severe flu infection. By activating a powerful molecule in the nasal cavity, pregnant women may benefit from stronger antiviral defenses against the Influenza A virus.
A global research team has developed an advanced diagnostic kit for detecting the highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus, allowing for rapid detection of both high and low pathogenic strains. The kit's swift detection enables timely responses to outbreaks, reducing transmission risks and preventing devastating epidemics.
Chronic cigarette exposure in mice leads to altered gut and oropharyngeal microbiota, aggravating flu severity. The study suggests that the smoker's microbiota plays a significant role in respiratory disease and viral infection.
EV25, a bispecific small molecule developed by Eradivir, acts faster than the current standard of care, eliminating detectable virus within 24 hours. It also recruits naturally occurring antibodies to fight the virus, reducing viral loads and protecting against lung damage.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that IFITM3 deficiency increases the risk of flu infection by unfamiliar viruses, allowing them to adapt rapidly to human hosts. The study suggests that people with IFITM3 deficiency are a uniquely vulnerable population for new animal viruses entering humans.
A study by Stanford Medicine researchers has identified a critical link between the composition of antibodies and the severity of influenza infection. The discovery highlights the importance of a specific sugar molecule on antibodies in determining whether an individual becomes mildly ill or severely ill from a flu infection.
A study has found that H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza spread efficiently among marine mammals, leading to a devastating decline in elephant seal colonies. The virus adapted to marine mammal species, showing the need for increased surveillance and research cooperation in the region.
A new study analyzed how seasonal flu viruses moved and evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that they remained in certain regions despite reduced global mobility. The study suggests increased genomic surveillance capacity will help monitor seasonal influenza to reduce vaccine mismatches and inform effective interventions.
A 2023 avian flu outbreak in Washington state killed 56% of a large breeding colony of Caspian terns and had significant impacts on the Pacific-coast population. The virus was also transmitted to harbor seals, causing an inflammatory response in their brains.
Researchers found a highly pathogenic H5N1 strain isolated from a dairy worker that killed all infected ferrets, but the worker experienced mild symptoms and recovered. The study suggests that this particular strain may have died out and has not been detected in nature since.
Researchers found a bovine H5N1 virus isolated from an infected worker to be transmissible and lethal in mice and ferrets, with limited efficiency. The virus is susceptible to certain antiviral drugs, including favipiravir and baloxavir marboxil.
A new study discovered how TRIM25, a cellular superhero, finds and binds to viral RNA to activate an immune response. The researchers found that this binding is critical for TRIM25's antiviral activity and its ability to target regions of viral RNA.
The authors emphasize the importance of increasing vaccination rates to combat decreasing rates globally. They also highlight emerging challenges such as a highly virulent strain of influenza and measles outbreaks, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have imaged the structure of RSV proteins, which are crucial for the virus's interaction with host cells. The images reveal that pairs of F proteins may be a key target for destabilizing the virus and preventing infection.
Researchers discovered that epigenetic changes in macrophages after SARS-CoV-2 infection enabled them to mount a better defense against influenza A virus. This innate immune memory can provide protection against future infections and may enable the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers found that natural immunity from previous flu infections enhances vaccine efficacy, leading to stronger and broader antibody responses. This could benefit individuals who contract the flu each year, potentially improving protection against future strains.
A new nasal spray, PCANS, shows promise in reducing respiratory diseases by capturing and neutralizing airborne pathogens. The study's results demonstrate the spray's effectiveness against various viruses and bacteria, including influenza and COVID-19.
Researchers developed a nasal spray that captures and neutralizes airborne viruses and bacteria, providing up to 8 hours of protection. The Pathogen Capture and Neutralizing Spray (PCANS) demonstrated a greater than 99.99% reduction in lung viral titers in mice models.
Researchers found that fruit bats generate a more diverse antibody response than mice but have a weaker overall response. However, bats fed a fruit-only diet had a stronger antibody response compared to those on a protein-supplemented diet.
A new poll from Michigan Medicine shows that nearly half of people age 50 and older plan to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. However, some older adults with high risk of severe illness appear unlikely to seek the vaccine, highlighting the need for increased encouragement from clinicians and other sources.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new quantitative testing system called the Express Biochecker, which uses Janus particles to detect coronavirus N protein. The system is simple, rapid, and low-cost, with potential applications for other viral illnesses and biomarkers.
The study found H5N1 virus detected in 10 out of 10 cities and 22 out of 23 sites, but no correlation with hospitalizations. The team used viral probe capture to detect viruses in wastewater samples, revealing animal origins of the virus load
A new universal flu vaccine candidate has shown strong immune response and protection against severe infection in mice. The vaccine, developed using the COBRA methodology, targets multiple strains of influenza viruses, including H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1, which pose a high risk to humans.
Scientists discovered that T follicular helper cells indirectly control the anti-influenza response, leading to less effective immunity. The study found that the current flu vaccine formulation could be improved by excluding internal proteins and targeting surface proteins.
A new study from the Cusack group sheds light on how avian influenza virus can mutate to replicate in mammalian cells. The key enzyme polymerase must adapt to overcome two main barriers: entering and replicating within host cells, as well as acquiring human transmission capabilities.
A new study by Emory University researchers found that increased ventilation in childcare settings may not be effective in preventing flu virus spread. The team used a play-based model using ferrets to study the spread of flu viruses in a setting that closely mimics a childcare venue.
Researchers at WashU Medicine developed a nasal COVID-19 vaccine that halted transmission in hamsters, showing promise for controlling respiratory infections. The vaccine targeted the virus's entry points in the nose and mouth, reducing viral replication and preventing spread.
Researchers found that certain flu viruses can use a second entry pathway, MHC class II protein complexes, to infect human and animal cells. This ability helps the viruses infect different species and potentially jump between animals and humans.
Researchers at Georgia State University developed nanoparticle vaccines that enhance cross-protection against diverse influenza virus variants. These vaccines produce potent cellular and mucosal immune responses, broadening protection against strain-specific and short-lived immunity.
Researchers found that bovine HPAI H5N1 viruses induced severe disease in mice and ferrets after intranasal inoculation, with high virus levels detected in respiratory and non-respiratory organs. However, the virus did not transmit efficiently via respiratory droplets among ferrets.
A new study suggests that exposure to raw milk infected with the currently circulating H5N1 virus poses a significant risk to humans. However, the virus may not spread very far or quickly to others, as experiments on mice and ferrets show limited airborne transmission.
A world-first study found that low-dose aspirin can create better blood flow to the placenta during pregnancy, potentially preventing complications caused by flu infections. The research also showed that mice treated with low-dose aspirin had improved fetal development and offspring survival.
A new CRISPR-based paper strip test could allow more patients to get the right treatment for the flu, researchers say. The test distinguishes between different influenza types and can be reprogrammed to recognize other viruses.
A recent study by scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found that the amount of infectious H5N1 influenza viruses in raw milk rapidly declined with heat treatment. However, small amounts of infectious virus remained detectable in some samples even after high-temperature pasteurization.
A molecule produced by gut bacteria, indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), has been found to reduce viral load and inflammation in mice infected with influenza virus. Researchers at the State University of Campinas and Pasteur Institute discovered that supplementing IPA supplementation reduced symptoms and improved outcomes.
Researchers have developed a way to classify host immunity in individuals, enabling the early identification of those who won't respond well to regular vaccines. This allows for tailored vaccine regimes to provide long-lasting immunity, reducing influenza-related illness and healthcare costs.
Vanderbilt University researchers have isolated human monoclonal antibodies against influenza B, which may aid in the prevention and treatment of this virus. The antibodies, particularly FluB-400, can broadly inhibit virus replication and protect against infection when administered intranasally.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found high H5N1 virus levels in mice administered raw milk from infected dairy cows. The results suggest that consuming raw milk may pose a risk for H5N1 infection, highlighting the need for further research into pasteurization and its effectiveness.
The Penn researchers developed an mRNA vaccine targeting a specific subtype of the H5N1 virus, which elicited strong antibody and T cell responses in mice and ferrets. Vaccinated animals also cleared the virus more rapidly and displayed fewer symptoms than unvaccinated controls.
Researchers found that people with a fixed mindset respond better to loss-based messaging framing when discussing vaccination, highlighting the importance of tailored communication strategies. The study generalized its findings to various contagious viruses and has implications for public health messaging.
Researchers from Osaka University found that influenza-associated brain disorders may be caused by the virus entering the brain and producing proteins. Antivirals blocking protein production are unlikely to be effective, but those targeting transcription and translation may offer hope for treatment.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new vaccine strategy that targets the portion of the flu virus surface with less variability, aiming for universal and long-lasting protection. The experimental vaccine elicits an immune response focused on the stalk region, which remains consistent despite viral mutations.
A VACCELERATE Consortium survey study found that 57% of global infectious diseases experts ranked influenza as the top pandemic risk, with Disease X and SARS-CoV-2 also among the most concerning pathogens. The study highlights the need for continued preparedness and surveillance to prevent pandemics.