Articles tagged with 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A team of researchers has identified eight genes from influenza viruses isolated from wild ducks that possess genetic similarities to the 1918 pandemic flu virus. The new study shows that these gene pools have the potential to cause a severe pandemic in the future if combined with other viral components.
Researchers found that SOCS4-deficient mice exhibited abnormally high levels of cytokines and chemokines, similar to a 'cytokine storm', which contributed to severe symptoms and slower viral clearance. The study suggests SOCS4 plays a crucial role in regulating the immune response against influenza virus.
A study published in mBio found an unusual avian influenza virus in Adçie penguins from Antarctica, which is distinct from other circulating flu viruses. The virus was detected in adult and chick samples, and its genetic material showed high similarity to North American avian lineage viruses from the 1960s-80s.
Research by Sang-Moo Kang of Georgia State University found that ginseng can improve survival rates of human lung epithelial cells infected with the influenza A virus. Red ginseng extract also reduced inflammation and improved immune response. Additionally, Korean red ginseng extract inhibited RSV replication and suppressed inflammator...
Scientists at The University of Texas at Austin have discovered that the influenza A virus uses a protein called NS1 to outwit the body's natural defense mechanism DDX21, which blocks viral replication. By targeting NS1, researchers may be able to develop new antiviral drugs to combat the flu.
Researchers developed a predictive fitness model for influenza, predicting optimal viral strain combinations for vaccines. The model considers innovation and conservation of viruses, providing insights into the complexity of influenza evolution.
A new study reconstructing the evolutionary tree of flu viruses challenges conventional wisdom, resolving mysteries surrounding historical outbreaks. The research provides the most comprehensive analysis to date, revealing how the virus evolves at different rates in various host species.
New research conducted at Kansas State University's Biosecurity Research Institute shows promise in fighting the deadly H7N9 influenza virus. The study reveals that Alferon N can inhibit the replication of wild type and Tamiflu-resistant H7N9 virus strains, providing a potential treatment option.
Researchers at McGill University have identified the cIAP2 enzyme as a key player in resisting flu infections by protecting lung tissue from damage. By enhancing body resistance to the virus, this discovery opens up new possibilities for controlling and treating influenza.
A PDL-1 antibody could help the immune system fight off influenza viral infection by blocking its impact on T cells, which are crucial for a effective response. The study found that treating mice with an antibody against PD-1 significantly improved their ability to clear the virus.
Research found that reducing glucose metabolism weakens the ability of influenza viruses to infect mammalian cells in lab cultures. The study suggests that altering glucose metabolism may be a potential new approach to inhibit influenza viral infection.
The H7N9 influenza virus is poorly adapted for sustained human-to-human transmission, suggesting a low risk of pandemic. The study's findings indicate that the current form of the virus would need significant mutations to become transmissible between humans.
A study published in Cell Reports found that Amphotericin B, a common antifungal medication, can render a protein important for antiviral defense ineffective in both cells and mice. This makes patients receiving the therapy more vulnerable to influenza and other viral infections.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute discovered that the flu virus infects host cells by killing off immune system's best-equipped cells that can neutralize the virus. This allows the virus to replicate efficiently before the immune system mounts a second wave of defense.
Researchers at Virginia Tech aim to improve understanding of how environmental conditions affect the influenza virus's ability to survive and infect others while airborne. The project seeks to clarify why humidity affects the virus's transmission.
Researchers at the University of Maryland are developing a vaccine to protect adults from the H7N9 influenza virus, which has caused 135 human cases and 44 deaths in China. The study aims to gather critical information on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine and its ability to induce an immune response.
A new study provides a clearer picture of how much time elapses between known infection, viral shedding, immune response, and onset of flu symptoms. Researchers found that a minimum dose of 10^7 TCID50 virus is needed to induce mild-to-moderate illness in 60% of volunteers.
A novel avian-origin H7N9 influenza A virus has been found to attach moderately or abundantly to the epithelium of both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. This pattern suggests that the emerging H7N9 virus may transmit efficiently in humans and cause severe pneumonia.
A new approach uses carbohydrates to detect flu viruses and determine specific strains, potentially leading to faster and more effective treatment. This technology could provide a much-needed home test for diagnosing influenza quickly before antiviral drugs are lost.
Researchers developed a microneedle patch that delivered an effective and long-lasting influenza vaccine, providing 100% protection in mice over one year. The vaccine used virus-like particles coated on needles, reducing refrigeration needs and potential side effects.
Researchers used genetic sequencing to trace the source and evolution of the avian H7N9 influenza virus infecting humans. Domestic ducks and chickens played distinct roles in its genesis, with strains exchanging genes that led to outbreaks among chickens and human infections.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute found that sequential vaccination with distinct influenza strains can stimulate immune responses against multiple strains. This approach offers an alternative to creating a universal flu vaccine by targeting conserved regions of the virus, potentially providing long-term immunity.
A new study reveals the H7N9 avian influenza virus can infect and replicate in human cells, suggesting it has pandemic potential. The virus also transmits efficiently in ferrets and other mammalian species, raising concerns about a potential global outbreak.
Researchers evaluated past H7 subtype influenza viruses among mammals and birds, comparing them to other avian influenza viruses. While none have caused a human pandemic since 1918, some adapted to infect horses, raising concerns about potential adaptation to humans.
Researchers have sequenced the duck genome and conducted transcriptomic studies to understand the interactive mechanisms between the host and influenza viruses. The study identified novel genes not present in other birds and found alterations in gene expression patterns in response to avian influenza viruses.
A team of researchers plans to model how humans respond to viral pathogens like influenza, Ebola and West Nile, aiming to provide a detailed molecular understanding for drug development. The study will focus on the host response during infection, using high-throughput screening and advanced data processing methods.
Researchers suggest focusing on boosting natural killer cells to better eliminate influenza virus, potentially overcoming drug resistance issues. Current drugs can boost NK cell activity, improving flu recovery without mutating strain susceptibility.
A novel vaccine concept using HA-ferritin nanoparticles elicited a potent immune response and broad protection against H1N1 virus strains. The experimental vaccine was also active against a wider range of strains than the licensed seasonal influenza vaccine.
A novel avian-origin H7N9 influenza virus was found to show rapid evolution, with several viruses circulating in Hangzhou. The virus's pathogenesis in humans remains unknown, but substitutions have been identified as potential pathogenicity factors.
Scientists detected H1N1 virus in free-ranging northern elephant seals off California coast, indicating potential for transmission to humans. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting workers handling marine mammals and preventing disease transmission between species.
Chinese scientists investigated the origins of novel H7N9 influenza virus and found that viruses circulating among birds were responsible for human infections. The study recommends control measures, including shutting down live poultry markets and culling affected poultry, to prevent a possible pandemic.
Scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine discovered a promising new treatment for influenza, Eritoran, which protects mice from death after infection. The findings are crucial in light of the spreading H7N9 flu strain in China, with 17 deaths reported.
Researchers found that live poultry markets were the primary source of the novel H7N9 influenza virus. The viruses originated from avian H9N2 viruses but acquired human receptor-binding specificity, contributing to their virulence and lethality in humans. Strong measures are recommended to prevent a possible pandemic.
Researchers have developed a set of molecular assays that can diagnose and subtype influenza viruses rapidly, without the need for additional equipment. The assays can detect major resistance mutations to oseltamivir and provide information on viral load and antiviral susceptibility within one working day.
Researchers discovered that naproxen blocks the RNA binding groove of the nucleoprotein, preventing formation of the ribonucleoprotein complex. This finding suggests that naproxen could be an effective treatment against influenza A virus.
A new influenza vaccine approach uses two-pronged immune cell strategy to elicit robust protective immunity. The research suggests that combining CD8+ T cells and non-neutralizing antibodies could provide universal flu vaccine capable of long-lasting protection.
Scientists have discovered how influenza viruses evade T cell immunity, enabling researchers to design vaccines targeting distinct virus strains for universal protection. This breakthrough may lead to the development of a new universal influenza vaccine to combat both seasonal and pandemic outbreaks.
A study published in Cell Press reveals that a compound derived from fats found in fish oils prevents death in influenza-virus-infected mice. The compound, protectin D1, inhibits virus replication and improves survival when given 2 days after infection, offering a promising strategy for treating severe influenza.
A single mutation in H5N1 avian influenza virus makes it more infective in mammals, while reducing its ability to infect ducks. The study's findings provide new insights into viral determinants of influenza virus virulence and suggest a lower pH optimum for hemagglutinin activation favors mammalian infection.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that higher indoor humidity levels can significantly reduce the infectivity of influenza virus particles. Indoor humidity above 40% is essential to inactivate flu virus particles, with most inactivation occurring within the first 15 minutes, reducing viral particle infectivity by up to 86%.
A study found that 26% of influenza patients released virus into the air during routine care, with some 'super-emitters' transmitting more than 32 times more virus. Current infection control recommendations may not be adequate to protect providers from influenza exposure.
Researchers have identified a key protein, IFITM3, in T-cells that provides resistance to influenza. Increasing the production of these resistant T-cells could lead to longer-lasting immunity.
Researchers led by Dr. Robert W. Finberg are working on a $12 million project to improve flu vaccine effectiveness by predicting the influenza virus's evolution in response to anti-viral drugs and human immune systems. The approach could potentially boost protection rates, reducing severe illness cases.
A new study found that over 80% of flu-positive pigs showed no signs of illness, highlighting the risk of transmission between pigs and humans. The research also identified genetic similarities between human and pig viruses, confirming interspecies transmission.
The reconstructed 1918 influenza virus has provided key insights into how to prevent and control future pandemics. By studying the virus's structure and evolution, researchers have identified potential targets for universal influenza vaccines that can protect against multiple viruses.
Researchers have identified how immature immune cells respond to the influenza virus and traced the path to generate antibodies that can neutralize a wide range of strains. This understanding could aid in designing a universal flu vaccine that provides protection against most or all influenza virus strains.