Repeated influenza vaccination helps prevent severe flu in older adults
Repeated influenza vaccination significantly reduced hospital admissions for severe flu in older adults, with consistent effectiveness across seasons and patient age.
Influenza Viruses
Articles tagged with Influenza Viruses
Lactic acid bacteria can protect against Influenza A virus, study finds
A study found that lactic acid bacteria can protect against different subtypes of influenza A virus, resulting in reduced weight loss and lower amounts of virus replication in the lungs. The researchers used a heat-killed strain of Lactobacillus casei DK128 to pretreat mice before infecting them with the virus.
Genetic mutation could, if altered, boost FluMist vaccine effectiveness, research suggests
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have discovered a genetic mutation in the FluMist intranasal flu vaccine that has the potential to be altered to enhance its protective effect. The mutation reduces virus production, but reversing it makes the virus more active and induces a stronger immune response.
Annual influenza vaccination does not prevent natural immunity
Researchers at the University of Bergen found no negative effects from annual influenza vaccination on developing natural immunity. Annual vaccination actually provides a better first line defence against infection, without preventing natural immunity.
Researchers discover new mechanism for battling influenza
The study reveals that a human protein called TRIM25 acts as an early defense mechanism, recognizing the unique structure of the flu virus and preventing its replication. However, the NS1 protein produced by the flu virus blocks this function, enabling the virus to evade the immune response.
How flu shot manufacturing forces influenza to mutate
A new study from Scripps Research Institute reveals that egg-based production causes the virus to target bird cells, disrupting the major antibody target site on the surface. This mutation renders the flu vaccine less effective in humans, with recent vaccines proving only 33% effective against H3N2 viruses.
H7N9 influenza is both lethal and transmissible in animal model for flu
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.
New study identifies protein that could improve symptoms and reduce mortality in flu
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.
Scientists develop broad-spectrum inhibitors of influenza virus
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.
Certara paper shows viral kinetic modeling grows flu knowledge, advances drug development
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.
Combating antiviral drug resistance with dynamic therapeutics
Researchers are developing a new class of biological therapeutics that can coevolve with viruses, potentially eliminating or blunting resistance. By leveraging natural phenomena like defective interference, they aim to create therapeutic interfering particles that can reduce disease severity and transmission.
Virulence factor made by influenza virus is potential target for vaccine drug development
Researchers found that NS1 suppresses the body's immune responses to viral infection, suggesting a new approach to combat influenza A virus infection. The study proposes developing a live attenuated vaccine based on an engineered influenza A virus lacking NS1 and designing antiviral drugs targeting NS1.
Biomedical researcher gets $1.9 million to study influenza vaccines and cross protective immunity
Dr. Sang-Moo Kang's project aims to improve the efficacy and extent of cross protection against new influenza virus strains by incorporating M2e epitopes into HA molecules. The research will test novel approaches to boost cross protective properties of licensed seasonal influenza vaccines, with results expected to impact public health.
Skin vaccination with microneedle patch, influenza fusion protein improves efficacy of flu vaccines
A microneedle patch vaccination with an influenza fusion protein improves the effectiveness of conventional flu vaccines by boosting humoral immunity and cellular immune responses in mice. The study offers a new perspective for universal influenza vaccines.
50-year-old flu virus model revamped, revealing pandemic prediction possibilities
Researchers revamped a 50-year-old flu virus model, revealing loopholes that allow viruses to swap genetic material and give rise to new strains. This discovery could lead to better pandemic predictions and disruption of the flu virus.
New DNA-based strategy shows promise against a range of influenza viruses
A novel DNA-based strategy delivers monoclonal antibodies to protect against highly diverse strains of influenza A and B viruses. The approach holds promise as a simple and economical way to overcome current flu vaccination limitations.
New method helps fighting future pandemics
Researchers developed a new technique to analyze influenza virus infections in cells and lung tissue, visualizing the delivery of viral genome segments. This approach revealed that productive cell co-infections only occur when both viruses enter the same cell within two hours.
Birds become immune to influenza
Researchers found that water birds, particularly mallards, develop significant immunity and resistance to other variants of the low-pathogenic influenza A virus after infection. This means they can partially protect themselves against future infections, including virulent strains like H5N1 or H5N8.
Influenza virus can overcome potentially crippling mutations
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute found that influenza viruses handicapped by a single mutation can overcome their disadvantage when combined with other mutations. This phenomenon, known as epistasis, could lead to better development of flu vaccines and therapies.
Scientists develop new flu vaccines for man's best friend
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have created two new live-attenuated vaccines against canine influenza viruses, which can be transmitted to humans. These vaccines provide better immune protection and longer periods of protection than existing inactivated vaccines.
New mechanism to control human viral infections discovered
A team of researchers has found a long-sought-after mechanism in human cells that creates immunity to influenza A virus, which could help treat diseases caused by viruses. The discovery builds on over 20 years of research and demonstrates the antiviral function of RNAi in humans against distinct RNA viruses.
New, more effective strategy for producing flu vaccines
Researchers developed a technology that could produce influenza B vaccines with higher efficacy, using mammalian cell culture instead of eggs. This could lead to better protection against both lineages of influenza B and improved ability to respond during an influenza pandemic.
Modifying a live virus in a vaccine to be just strong enough
Researchers successfully developed a vaccine against influenza using genetically modified live virus that activates the immune system but cannot replicate in healthy cells. The new vaccine proved effective in mice, guinea pigs, and ferrets, offering an antibody response comparable to existing vaccines.
Childhood infections provide lifelong protection against flu viruses from animals
A new study found that exposure to influenza viruses during childhood gives people partial protection for life. The study's findings suggest that birth year may largely determine a person's risk for serious illness in an influenza pandemic, with certain age groups more susceptible to different strains of the flu.
Your birth year predicts your odds if flu pandemic were to strike
A study co-led by the University of Arizona found that a person's birth year can predict their odds of getting seriously ill in an outbreak of animal-origin influenza virus. This 'immunological imprinting' effect provides clues for developing a universal flu vaccine.
New flu strains and old antibodies: How sinful is 'original antigenic sin'?
A study in mice found that recalling 'old' antibodies does not compromise the response against new flu strains. In fact, some 'original antigenic sin' antibodies are highly effective at protecting against secondary encounters with antigenically drifted viral strains.
St. Jude researchers pinpoint key influenza-fighting immune trigger
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified the protein trigger ZBP1, which specifically recognizes the influenza virus and triggers infected cells to commit suicide. This discovery offers hope for developing drugs to protect against the virus's lethal complication of pneumonia.
Additives to boost vaccine responses not sufficient to protect obese mice from influenza
A recent study published in mBio found that obese mice who received influenza vaccines with and without adjuvants were not protected against the flu. Despite increased antibody responses, obese mice succumbed to infection due to a combination of factors, including increased viral load and severe disease severity.
Evidence suggests migratory birds are not a reservoir for highly pathogenic flu viruses
A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that wild ducks and other aquatic birds do not carry highly pathogenic flu viruses, which caused widespread poultry outbreaks in North America. The research suggests that existing immunity in wild birds may explain why these viruses do not persist in their populations.
Vaccine strategy induces antibodies that can target multiple influenza viruses
Researchers have identified three types of vaccine-induced antibodies that can neutralize diverse strains of influenza virus, which could guide development of a universal flu vaccine. The discovery provides clear evidence that these antibodies can be induced by a vaccine, making them a potential basis for a universal flu vaccine.
Functionalized surfaces with tailored wettability determine Influenza A infectivity
Researchers developed functionalized surfaces with tailored wetting characteristics that reduce or eliminate Influenza A virus infectivity. The study provides insights into the role of surface wettability on viral transmission.
Influenza-neutralizing antibodies generated in human subjects given experimental vaccine
Scientists at Vanderbilt University have developed monoclonal antibodies that effectively neutralize the H3N2 variant virus (H3N2v) in human subjects who received an experimental vaccine. These antibodies were able to neutralize H3N2 strains circulating between 1995 and 2005, but not currently circulating human H3N2 strains.
Antibodies triggered by avian influenza virus vaccine illuminate a new path toward a universal flu vaccine
A new study suggests that an avian influenza virus vaccine can trigger broad and durable protection against multiple flu strains, offering a promising path toward a universal flu vaccine. The research identifies unique epitopes on the virus and highlights the potential of non-neutralizing antibodies in providing protection.
Influenza viruses can hide from the immune system
Researchers discovered that influenza viruses can hide from the immune system by using a protein that masks the virus, making it harder for the body to detect and fight. This finding has implications for developing treatments against influenza and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Fighting flu with designer drugs: A new compound fends off different influenza strains
Researchers designed a new compound HB36.6 to target the HA stem region of influenza viruses, offering broad-spectrum protection against different strains. The study found that HB36.6 provided better protection than Oseltamivir and showed synergy when combined with low-dose post-infection treatment.
First flu exposure imprints itself on immune system
A person's first flu infection stimulates key antibody production, which later influences responses to other seasonal strains. Researchers found that early exposure, such as in childhood, can imprint the immune system and shape its response.
Using 'big data' to fight flu
A recent study identified 20 previously unknown host molecules that enable influenza A viruses to replicate and spread. Blocking these host proteins can inhibit viral growth and slow disease progression in mice. The researchers developed a public web portal to facilitate drug development and analysis of host-protein interactions.
Using 'big data' to combat influenza
A team of researchers combined large genomic and proteomic datasets to identify new factors that can be targeted to prevent viruses from spreading. They found 20 previously unrecognized host proteins required for IAV replication, including the pivotal protein UBR4.
Acetaminophen provides no benefits against the flu
A new randomized clinical trial found that acetaminophen does not provide benefits in fighting the flu or reducing symptoms. The trial involved adults with confirmed influenza infections, who were treated with paracetamol or placebo for five days.
A new approach to predict evolution of influenza viruses can enhance vaccine efficacy
Researchers developed a simple method to track and predict viral evolution based on whole-genome sequences of influenza viruses. By identifying genetic variants that change the structure of influenza proteins, they found that many strains used in vaccines during previous seasons lacked these markers.
UGA researchers identify essential component of antiviral defense
Researchers at the University of Georgia have identified Tpl2 as a key regulator of immune signaling proteins called interferons, which play a large role in host defense against viral infections. The study found that Tpl2 promotes induction of antiviral genes and protects against influenza virus infection.
Role of breast cell infection in flu transmission between mothers and breast-feeding ferrets
Researchers found that infected cells in breast tissues could transmit the influenza virus from mothers to breast-feeding infants and vice versa using a ferret model. The study also showed that mammary glands can harbor live influenza virus and produce it in milk.
NIH researchers find role for soft palate in adaptation of transmissible influenza viruses
Researchers discovered the soft palate plays a key site for flu virus emergence and transmission, binding preferentially to mammalian-type SA, which is associated with airborne transmission. The finding may aid efforts to define properties governing flu virus transmissibility and predict pandemic potential.
Scientists uncover the antigenic patterns of the recent influenza A (H3N2) virus
Researchers discovered two distinct antigenic groups co-circulating during the 2014-2015 winter season, with different epidemic patterns across Europe, the US, and mainland China. The study provided a comprehensive understanding of the H3N2 virus's antigenic evolution, facilitating effective vaccine strategy formulation.
TSRI & Janssen study makes major advance toward more effective, long-lasting flu vaccine
Researchers have made a major advance toward creating an effective, long-lasting flu vaccine by inducing broadly neutralizing antibodies in animal models. The study's findings show that the vaccine candidate can produce powerful 'broadly neutralizing antibodies' against many influenza subtypes.
Virus-like particle vaccine protects mice from many flu strains
A new virus-like particle vaccine has been developed to protect against a wide variety of influenza viruses. The vaccine was shown to provide significant protection against many different flu strains, including avian H5N1 and H7N9 viruses, which have caused many human cases and deaths in recent years.
Early detection of highly pathogenic influenza viruses
A multidisciplinary research team has developed a tool to predict the pandemic risk of avian influenza viruses, including H5N1-type viruses. The tool uses a combination of computational techniques and experimental molecular virology methods to identify candidate pandemic influenza viruses.
Virus evolution and human behavior shape global patterns of flu movement
Researchers found that faster-evolving viruses like H3N2 spread globally rapidly but die out quickly between epidemics, while slower-evolving viruses like H1N1 and B viruses circulate continuously worldwide. The study also highlights the crucial role of India in the global spread of seasonal influenza viruses.
Genetic mutation helps explain why, in rare cases, flu can kill
Researchers discovered a rare genetic mutation that prevents certain children from producing a protein necessary to fight off the flu. This mutation can lead to life-threatening symptoms and has been found in only one case, but clinicians now have a potential treatment option for children with severe flu cases.
What if the severity of our seasonal influenza were related to our genetic background?
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation causing a child's immune system dysfunction, leading to severe influenza. The study suggests that interferon amplification dependent on IRF7 expression is needed for protection against the virus.
New compound protects 100 percent of ferrets, mice, from H5N1
Researchers have developed an antibody called FcDART that provides 100% protection against the H5N1 influenza virus in ferrets and mice. This breakthrough could lead to the development of vaccines to match each flu virus and protect vulnerable populations.
Seasonal flu vaccine induces antibodies that protect against H7N9 avian flu
Scientists have identified antibodies isolated from individuals with seasonal flu vaccinations that neutralize H7N9 and other influenza strains, providing broad protection. These antibodies account for a small percentage of the total immune response but show promise as potential therapeutics.
Study maps travel of H7 influenza genes
A new report reveals that H7 influenza viruses regularly shuffle combinations of genetic segments, each with its own history of travel among hosts and geographic places. The study uses genomic analysis to visualize the spread of H7 genes across vast distances, identifying transboundary and transcontinental transmission.
Breakthrough may impact flu vaccination
A new analysis of human influenza B viruses sheds light on the pathogen causing seasonal flu, suggesting targeted vaccines and potential eradication of a slower-evolving lineage by expanding quadrivalent vaccine use.
Researchers find bat influenza viruses unlikely threaten human health
A study by Kansas State University researchers suggests that bat influenza viruses are unlikely to pose a pandemic threat to humans. The team characterized the viruses using synthetic technology and next-generation sequencing, finding they have a low risk of transmission.
Scientists 'must not become complacent' when assessing pandemic threat from flu viruses
Assessing pandemic risk from flu viruses is an enormous challenge due to the vast diversity of influenza viruses. Scientists call for better integration of experimental data, computational methods, and mathematical models to predict pandemic risk. They stress the importance of remaining vigilant against unknown high-risk viruses.
In-depth analysis of bat influenza viruses concludes they pose low risk to humans
Researchers analyzed bat influenza viruses and found they could not infect human cells or other animals, contradicting initial concerns. The study suggests these viruses have limited genetic compatibility with Type A or Type B influenza viruses, making reassortment unlikely.
New single-dose influenza drug appears safe and effective
A new single-dose influenza drug, peramivir, shows promise in alleviating flu symptoms, including fever and viral shedding, when administered within 48 hours of symptom onset. It effectively reduces median time to alleviation of symptoms by 22 hours and is generally safe and well-tolerated.
UF part of research team that finds equine influenza virus in camels
A University of Florida research team has identified the first known case of an equine influenza virus in camels. The discovery highlights the potential role of camels in the ecology of zoonotic diseases and raises concerns about public health.
Evolution of equine influenza led to canine offshoot which could mix with human influenza
Research found that equine influenza viruses from the early 2000s can easily infect dog respiratory tracts, while those from the 1960s replicate poorly. The study suggests that canine and human influenza viruses can mix, generating new viruses that could pose a pandemic risk.