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Going viral: Insights on Zika

Researchers at Michigan Technological University provide a detailed overview of Zika's history, transmission modes, and risks, including sexual transmission and miscarriage risks. The study also highlights the connection between dengue virus infection and Zika virus exacerbation.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateOct 13, 2016

New lipid-lowering drugs help patients reduce LDL cholesterol

Researchers found that adding anti-PCSK9 antibodies to existing treatments can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol levels in patients. The studies demonstrated a reduction in LDL cholesterol and achieved high response rates for both alirocumab and evolocumab.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateAug 1, 2016

Antibodies identified that thwart Zika virus infection

Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified six antibodies capable of protecting against Zika virus infection in mice, providing crucial information on how these antibodies interact with the virus. The discovery could lead to the development of a vaccine, diagnostic tests, and potentially new therapies for Zika-related diseases.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·DateJul 27, 2016

Discovery of mechanisms triggering excess antibody production during chronic infection

A team of researchers has identified the mechanisms behind excessive antibody production in chronic infections, discovering a link between B-cell activation and type 1 interferons. Proteins like endosomal TLRs trigger proinflammatory responses, leading to increased B-cell antibody production and potentially exacerbating conditions.

Dengue virus exposure may amplify Zika infection

A study from Imperial College London found that previous exposure to the dengue virus may increase the potency of Zika infection, potentially leading to more severe symptoms. The research suggests that the Zika virus uses the body's own defences as a 'Trojan horse', allowing it to enter human cells undetected and replicate rapidly.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateJun 23, 2016

Tiny alpaca-derived antibodies point to targets preventing viral infection

Researchers have developed a method using tiny alpaca-derived nanobodies to identify and target specific proteins involved in viral infections. By using these molecules to perturb cellular processes, scientists can tease apart the roles individual proteins play in disease, leading to potential new treatments for infectious diseases.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 20, 2016

Study suggests another look at common treatments for hemophilia

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with severe hemophilia A who received human plasma-based treatments developed inhibitors at a lower rate than those who received recombinant Factor VIII. This could lead to more effective treatment options for families affected by this rare genetic condition.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016

Anti-DNA antibody prefers damaged dsDNA over native

Researchers found that anti-DNA antibodies preferentially bind to damaged double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) over native DNA, contributing to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. This study provides mechanistic insight into the formation and properties of pathogenic anti-DNA antibodies.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics·DateJun 3, 2016

New treatment for advanced melanoma shows promise

A study published in JAMA found that pembrolizumab, an antibody against PD-1, was associated with a 33% objective response rate and 23-month median overall survival in patients with advanced melanoma. The treatment also showed improved progression-free survival rates of 35% at 12 months and 52% at 12 months

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 19, 2016

Cracking the Zika mystery

A recent study by Duke-NUS Medical School scientists has revealed the Zika virus structure and identified potential sites to target with therapeutics. The findings suggest that destabilizing the virus's structure may help reduce disease severity or limit transmission.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature·DateApr 19, 2016

Solving a genetic mystery in type 1 diabetes

Scientists have found that the RGS1 gene affects the frequency of T follicular helper cells, which are important for B cell production and seem to be crucial for the disease. The study suggests that while inhibiting RGS1 did not prevent autoimmune diabetes, it changes the way cells move within lymph nodes and spleen.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalGenes and Immunity·DateApr 11, 2016

HPV vaccine effective in youth with kidney disease, but less so in those with a kidney transplant

A recent study found that HPV vaccination stimulates robust immune responses in girls and young women with chronic kidney disease and dialysis, but less optimal responses among those with a kidney transplant. This highlights the need for additional research to protect kidney transplant recipients from HPV infections.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 7, 2016

Quality control for genetic sequencing

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new genetic method that enables the recording of a vast range of antibodies in an individual with high precision. This breakthrough can be used for vaccine development and early disease detection, offering significant advantages over previous antibody detection techniques.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 11, 2016