Articles tagged with Influenza Viruses
Researchers found that reduced NA activity enables HA mutations to become more neutral, and that this process is crucial for predicting future flu strains. The study aims to improve flu vaccine accuracy by understanding the interactions between HA and NA genes.
Individuals with Down syndrome experience less frequent but more severe viral infections, attributed to increased type I interferon expression. This leads to hyperactive immune responses initially, followed by overcorrection, resulting in increased vulnerability late in the viral attack.
A study found that the 2021/22 influenza vaccine had only 36% effectiveness against A(H3N2) in Canada, with a mismatch between the vaccine strain and the circulating virus. This suggests that the replacement of the vaccine strain for the upcoming season is necessary.
Scientists have developed a face mask that can detect common respiratory viruses in the air, alerting wearers via mobile devices within 10 minutes. The mask uses aptamers to identify unique proteins on viral surface proteins, amplifying signals to detect even trace levels of pathogens.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic's FRIC found that cytoskeleton disruption is a key signal for the body to respond to viruses. This discovery has potential implications for developing new anti-viral vaccines and treatments.
Researchers at Georgia State University have developed a single, universal flu vaccine candidate that induces immunity to conserved M2 ectodomain and multi-subtype neuraminidase proteins, providing broad cross-protection against antigenically diverse influenza A and B viruses in mice. The study shows promising results in young and aged...
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh used computational modeling to investigate the immune response to avian flu. They found that the levels of interferon may be responsible for its more severe presentation and could hold the key to treating it.
New research found that coinfection with influenza A virus can significantly suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication in the lung. This effect can persist even after clearance of influenza A virus, suggesting potential factors that restrict SARS-CoV-2 growth.
A new universal influenza B vaccine protects against different strains and offers robust and sustained cross-immune protection. The double-layered protein nanoparticle vaccine is constructed with a stabilized portion of the influenza virus and induces broadly reactive immune responses.
Researchers have developed a new live-attenuated influenza A vaccine approach using proteolysis-targeting chimeric (PROTAC) viruses. The approach uses the endogenous ubiquitin-proteasome system of host cells to degrade viral proteins, resulting in sufficiently attenuated but immunogenic vaccines.
A Phase 1 clinical trial of a novel influenza vaccine, BPL-1357, has begun at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. The study aims to test the safety and immune response of the vaccine in healthy adult volunteers.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a novel function for the TAO2 protein, which inhibits influenza virus replication. Down-regulating TAO2 levels prevents viral replication in cells without causing major toxic effects.
Researchers developed a fluorogenic probe that binds to the promoter region of influenza A virus RNA, creating a significant light-up response to identify its presence. This technique has shown promise for detecting influenza A more easily and may lead to the development of new antiviral drugs.
A team of researchers has found a way to block the replication of one strain of the influenza virus in human cells by inhibiting a specific protein modification process called SUMOylation. This breakthrough could lead to highly effective treatments for the flu and other respiratory viruses.
Researchers linked dietary cholesterol to exacerbation of viral infections in mice, showing that high levels of cholesterol made mice sicker when infected with influenza. The study found that dietary cholesterol increased the number of cytokine-producing immune cells in the lungs, contributing to excessive inflammation.
A new study reveals which bird species are driving the global spread of avian influenza, identifying ducks and geese as super-spreaders. The research also highlights the crucial role of gulls in transmitting the virus over long distances, with their ability to fly over oceans playing a significant role in its rapid spread.
Researchers have found that flu viruses can directly infect heart cells, leading to electrical malfunctions and scarring. The study suggests that clearing the viral infection may be key to reducing flu's effects on the heart.
Researchers at the Babraham Institute found that two RNA binding proteins, ZFP36 and ZFP36L1, play a crucial role in T cell development and function. The absence of these proteins enhances the potency of T cells during viral infections, leading to improved cytotoxic immune responses.
Researchers have developed a rapid test for viruses that can deliver results as accurate as PCR tests, with the ability to detect pathogens earlier and save lives. The test uses nanobubbles to bind with proteins on the virus's surface and generate vapor bubbles that signal the presence of a virus.
A novel technology has been developed for fast and reliable detection of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples using a flow virometer that utilizes fluorescent light markers. The device achieved high sensitivity and specificity in a blind test on over 50 patients, outperforming commercial antigen tests.
A human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) was confirmed in England, with the individual remaining asymptomatic despite close contact with infected ducks. The investigation found that the virus exhibited four nucleotide mutations, but no increased zoonotic risk was detected.
Researchers identify a previously overlooked site on the HA protein, known as the 'anchor epitope', which can neutralize a wide range of influenza strains. This discovery has significant implications for the development of universal influenza vaccines and antibody therapies.
Scientists identify a new site of vulnerability on the influenza virus called the anchor, which has potential to recognize broad variety of flu strains. The discovery paves way for rational vaccine design and could lead to improved universal flu vaccines.
A natural experiment found that Argentina's vital records detected significant and transient impacts of the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic on maternal health. The study also confirmed a decline in direct obstetric causes and an increase in indirect causes due to non-pregnancy comorbidities.
A new technique developed by Penn State researchers allows for accurate general-population estimates of virus exposure, resolving key complications in traditional methods. The study found that 26% of the Vietnamese population is exposed to subtype H3N2 influenza every year, and 16% is exposed to subtype H1N1.
A new review suggests zinc can reduce the duration of acute viral respiratory tract infections like the common cold and flu. Zinc use has also been linked to reducing symptom severity, particularly during peak illness days.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to reduced influenza reporting, but vaccination and strengthened surveillance are critical for a possible resurgence. Research highlights the importance of flu vaccination and early testing for non-influenza respiratory viruses.
A recent review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that flu vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals with heart disease. Despite higher mortality rates from influenza, many Americans under 65 with heart disease have low vaccination rates.
A cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine has effectively provided protection against the flu in children and adolescents. The study found that the vaccine produced a sufficient immune response in children aged two to 18 years, with an overall vaccine efficacy of 54.6 per cent.
Researchers developed a new risk measure, Universal Influenza-like Transmission (UnIT) score, that outperformed existing models in predicting weekly case count forecasts. The model used 10 years of influenza hospitalization data to identify patterns and improve COVID-19 spread predictions.
The project aims to enhance U.S. surveillance of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and other respiratory viruses through a network of emergency departments across 21 states and 100 hospitals. Data will be obtained from electronic medical records, providing insights into viral infection trends and patient outcomes.
A study found that elevated mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cell activation is strongly correlated with poor immune coordination and increased mortality in severe COVID-19 patients. In contrast, focused immune responses driven by interferon-alpha are associated with survival.
The UMass Amherst Reich Lab, led by biostatistician Nicholas Reich, will continue to advance real-time forecasting methods during infectious disease outbreaks thanks to a five-year NIH grant renewal. The lab's flu forecasting collaborative has been designated as one of two national Influenza Forecasting Centers of Excellence.
Researchers have identified DAF as a receptor that increases damage to the lungs in mice infected with influenza A virus. The study highlights an immune evasion strategy by the virus and stresses the importance of a balanced immune response to viral infections.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne found that liquid chalk is effective against both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A viruses. The study tested four different types of chalk, with three working incredibly effectively, and showed complete resistance to norovirus in some cases.
A new universal vaccine may improve cross protection against different flu virus strains in adults and seniors with pre-existing immunity. The grant aims to test this theory in aged populations, addressing a significant public health concern.
A study in pig cells shows that prior infection with swine influenza virus (SIV) can protect against the development of porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCoV), with optimal protection observed when infections occur three days apart. The findings may have implications for human coronavirus and seasonal influenza virus co-infections.
The NIH has launched a clinical trial for a novel influenza vaccine that offers long-lasting protection against multiple flu virus strains. The vaccine, known as FluMos-v1, is designed to stimulate antibodies against the HA protein using nanoparticle scaffolds.
The American Thoracic Society has published a new clinical practice guideline on community-acquired pneumonia, addressing the use of nucleic acid-based testing for non-influenza viral pathogens. The guidelines recommend testing only for patients with severe CAP or immunocompromised patients.
The Centers for Excellence in Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR) will conduct studies on influenza-related research areas, including immune responses to vaccination and infection, and zoonotic transmission. The network will also study SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging viruses of pandemic potential.
Researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin studied genetic evolution of common cold coronaviruses, comparing with SARS-CoV-2. They found SARS-CoV-2 changes at a rate four times slower than the influenza virus, but still expected to need regular updates due to rapid evolution during pandemic.
A study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found that the implementation of mask-wearing, physical distancing, and school closures significantly decreased rates of common respiratory viral infections like influenza. The analysis showed an approximate 80% reduction in cases compared to similar time periods before these measures...
A nanoparticle-based vaccine has been shown to produce protective antibodies against multiple H1 and H3 influenza A viruses in nonhuman primates. The vaccine's broad immunity suggests it may provide long-term protection, offering a promising solution to the challenge of creating a universal flu vaccine.
Scientists from Chung-Ang University create a novel 3D nano-popcorn plasmonic substrate to improve SERS-based aptasensor detection. The system successfully detects different viral loads in 20 minutes and classifies influenza viruses accurately, with high reproducibility.
MIT researchers have created a new computational model that can predict which sections of viral surface proteins are more likely to mutate in a way that enables viral escape. The model identifies potential targets for vaccines against influenza and HIV, offering hope for developing effective treatments.
A $2.25 million NIH grant is helping scientists understand the ufmylation pathway, which modifies proteins and cell function, in developing effective vaccines against influenza and other diseases. The research aims to optimize antibody production by selective upward adjustment of ufmylation in key cells.
A new study found that high levels of cadmium are associated with higher death rates in patients with influenza or pneumonia. Long-term exposure to cadmium may undermine lung defense systems, making people more susceptible to severe flu-like symptoms and increased mortality.
A chimeric hemagglutinin (HA)-based vaccine targets the proximal part of the HA protein, neutralizing diverse influenza virus strains. The vaccine has produced strong and durable results in early-stage clinical trials, eliminating the need for revaccination.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that hundreds of influenza introductions within a city drove the seasonal flu season. Transmission dynamics were linked to temperature, with elderly individuals primarily infected within their own networks, while school-aged children played a central role in spreading the virus.
A study published in Immunity explores polyreactive broadly neutralizing antibodies and their role against influenza viruses. The researchers found that these antibodies are commonly polyreactive and preferentially induced by novel and pandemic-level influenza viruses.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas are working on developing a computational framework for creating novel vaccines and therapeutics against the flu. By modeling the critical hemagglutinin protein, they aim to understand how it interacts with human cells and develop strategies to inhibit its activation mechanism.
The study proposes a mathematical model to understand the interactions between microorganisms within hosts and their transmission ability. The framework allows for the prediction of infection trajectories in single hosts and transmission in host populations, even considering complex interactions and stochasticity.
Researchers have discovered two antibodies that shield mice from lethal influenza B virus infections, offering a promising basis for a new treatment. These broadly protective antibodies target the critical viral enzyme neuraminidase, which could help combat a more effective and widespread flu medication.
Researchers found that middle-aged individuals have different H3N2 flu virus antibody specificities, which can leave them more susceptible to infection. Early childhood infections can elicit strong, long-lasting memory immune responses, but these may not be effective against newer strains of the virus.
Research from the University of California, Davis and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai found that airborne dust can carry influenza virus capable of infecting animals, contrary to the long-held assumption that respiratory droplets are the primary means of transmission.
Researchers at Kanazawa University used high-speed atomic force microscopy to study the fusogenic transition of Influenza A hemagglutinin, revealing its interaction with exosomes and facilitating viral membrane fusion. This study provides important insights into the mechanism of HA-mediated membrane fusion.
A human immune system protein, LY6E-Protein, strongly inhibits corona viruses, including Sars-Cov-2, by preventing virus fusion with host cells. This finding may lead to the development of new therapies against coronaviruses.
Research at The University of Tokyo found that influenza virus-infected macrophages release oxidized DNA, which activates the NLRP3 inflammasome and increases IL-1β secretion. Inhibition of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species decreased this secretion, providing a link between viral proteins and inflammasome activation.
Most COVID-19 lesions are located in the peripheral zone and close to the pleura, whereas influenza virus pneumonia is more prone to show mucoid impaction and pleural effusion. However, differentiating between the two conditions remains challenging due to overlapping CT manifestations.
A new study published in eLife found that early exposure to the flu virus can reduce the risk of future infections, particularly with the same subtype. The study also showed that the effectiveness of flu vaccines varies with age and birth year, suggesting that early exposure plays a role in shaping immune responses.