Articles tagged with Host Cells
Researchers have developed a simple mechanical model to understand how viruses replicate inside cells, highlighting the crucial role of virus size in this process. The optimal size range for efficient viral replication is suggested to be between 60nm and 100nm in diameter.
Researchers have identified a compound that shows early promise at halting infections from a range of coronaviruses, including all variants of SARS-CoV-2 and the common cold. The findings reveal a potential path toward antiviral treatments that could be used against many different pathogens.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have confirmed that the smallpox vaccine MVA-BN (JYNNEOS) can teach T cells to recognize and fight the mpox virus. The study suggests that the JYNNEOS vaccine may provide protection against severe disease and could be effective in immunocompromised individuals.
New research reveals that bat virus relatives of MERS-CoV efficiently bind to bat ACE2 receptors as an entry point into cells. However, these viruses only weakly bind to human ACE2 cell receptors and are not known to cause disease outbreaks in people.
A University of Ottawa-led team identified a new entry route for SARS-CoV-2 using metalloproteinases, which may lead to more widespread cell infection and severe illness. The study suggests that variants like the Delta strain may prefer this entry method, while others like Omicron do not.
Researchers used computer simulations to show that SARS-CoV-2 variants can attach to host cells in both bats and humans using their spike proteins. The study's findings suggest a significant risk of mammalian cross-species infectivity, contradicting initial expectations of reduced transmission.
Researchers at Texas A&M University engineered DARPins to block the interaction between the COVID-19 virus and host cells, significantly reducing disease progression. The nasal sprays showed effectiveness against various variants, including omicron, and could provide a lower-cost therapeutic option for those at high risk.
Researchers found that antibodies against one of the two main domains of the SARS-CoV-2 viral entry machinery elicit a broad antibody response against many variants. This suggests strategies for clinical development of variant-resistant vaccines.
Researchers found two Korean native plants' saponins inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells by blocking membrane fusion. These compounds show promise in treating COVID-19, especially for asymptomatic cases.
Researchers found that ancient viral DNA in the human genome can act as antivirals, protecting human cells against certain viruses. The study, published in Science, provides proof of principle for this effect and reveals a potential genome defense system.
Researchers have successfully blocked the adhesion mechanism of Bartonella henselae bacteria, preventing cell infection. The discovery offers a promising new approach to combat highly resistant infectious agents like Acinetobacter baumannii.
Experiments in cell cultures and mice showed that blocking the function of NSUN2 triggers a powerful innate immune response, dramatically lowering viral replication and protecting lung tissue. This finding could help change the approach to developing antiviral medications.
Researchers from Rutgers Cancer Institute have identified specific microorganisms associated with inflammation and poor survival in pancreatic tumors. These microbial signatures can be used as new targets for earlier diagnosis or treatment of the fourth leading cause of cancer death.
A Cleveland Clinic-led research team created a discovery tool outlining interactions between COVID-19 and host proteins, identifying potential host-targeting therapies. The study confirmed over 200 interactions and discovered new ones, highlighting promising approaches for treating COVID-19.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered how Zika virus forces dendritic cells to churn out lipid molecules, allowing the virus to build copies of itself. This study provides a major step forward in developing antiviral therapies against multiple flavivirus infections.
Researchers discovered how coronaviruses use caspase-6 to cleave and neutralize the host's interferon response, facilitating viral replication. By inhibiting or overexpressing caspase-6, researchers reduced coronavirus replication in various models, suggesting a potential target for antiviral treatment.
Researchers uncovered the sophisticated mechanism of bacterial Tc toxin's action by utilizing cryo-EM and protein NMR 3D snapshots. The subunits assemble like a syringe, triggering the release of toxic enzymes that disturb cytoskeleton regulation, leading to paralysis.
Researchers have published the first-ever look at a key stage in the life cycles of measles and Nipah viruses, revealing how future therapies might stop these viruses. The study identifies how paramyxoviruses utilize a host cell lipid for viral spread, providing a new target for developing inhibitors of the assembly process.
Gladstone researchers discovered that BET proteins play two distinct roles in interacting with SARS-CoV-2 infected human cells: giving the virus a window into cells while helping our cells defend themselves. Blocking certain BET proteins worsens disease symptoms, highlighting the need for targeted therapeutics.
A new study suggests that current vaccine boosters intensify protections against serious infection caused by Omicron subvariants. The research found that booster doses bring neutralizing antibodies to appreciable levels against all Omicron subvariants, consistent with other evidence of expanded memory B cells and antibody production.
Researchers have deciphered the exact bacterial adhesion mechanism using Bartonella henselae, revealing a key role for trimeric autotransporter adhesins and their interaction with fibronectin. Experimental blocking of these processes almost entirely prevents bacterial adhesion.
A team of scientists from the University of Bristol has identified a host cell pathway hijacked by SARS-CoV-2, allowing it to penetrate human cells. The study found that removing a protein complex called ESCPE-1 blocks COVID-19 infection by around 50%.
A new study found that microgravity analog culture profoundly affects the microbial infection process in 3-D human tissue models. This is critical for ensuring astronaut health on extended space missions and sheds light on mysterious processes of infection on Earth.
Researchers used Frontera supercomputer to model coronavirus-receptor interactions, discovering a 'one-two punch' combo that primes virus for fusion. The study provides new understanding of the mechanism behind increased virulence of variants such as delta and omicron.
A new study by University of California, Riverside researchers has found that coral-algal symbiosis can initiate without photosynthesis. This breakthrough could help corals survive climate change and ultimately save coral reefs.
MIT biological engineers have developed a new technique that allows them to precisely identify interactions between immune cells and their target antigens. This tool, which uses engineered viruses, enables large-scale screens of such interactions and could accelerate the development of more effective vaccines and immunotherapies.
Researchers discover medusavirus undergoes four stages of maturation within host cells, with unique particle structures and DNA-protein exchange mechanisms. The findings provide new insights into giant viruses' biology and behavior.
Researchers discover unique glycoprotein structure of Nipah and Hendra viruses, which could provide blueprint for vaccine design and antibody treatments. The findings suggest a multi-pronged approach to prevent and treat these deadly illnesses.
A research team has discovered how the Covid virus reproduces itself by taking over the cell's protein factory. The team identified a specific structure in viral mRNA that allows the virus to access the ribosome and produce its own proteins, while blocking cellular production. This discovery opens up new avenues for antiviral treatments.
The article suggests a potential treatment option for COVID-19 by targeting SARS-CoV-2's interaction with ACE2 receptors. Combining DPP4 inhibitors and spironolactone may mitigate COVID-19 complications and infections without adverse side effects.
A new bacterial strain, Noda2021, belonging to Candidatus phylum Dependentiae has been isolated and sequenced, revealing its genetic material and potential ecological significance. This discovery sheds light on the diversity of microorganisms in Japan's microbiological hotspots.
Researchers at UC Davis Health have developed an engineered antibody, FuG1, that can interfere with the cell-to-cell transmission ability of SARS-CoV-2. The approach targets the furin enzyme, which is critical for viral transmissibility, and could be added to existing SARS-CoV-2 antibody cocktails.
Researchers at San Diego State University have discovered a novel way bacteria infect cells by producing long threads, which grows up to 100 times the size of a bacterium in 30 hours. This mechanism allows the bacteria to rapidly infect multiple cells and access more nutrients for growth.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new retinal transplant technique by engineering human-derived retina sheets to lose bipolar cells, allowing better connections to host retinas and improved responses to light. The technique has shown substantial functional improvement in animal studies and is now poised for human clinical trials.
A new study reveals that the Omicron variant is sensitive to inhibition by the interferon response, an unspecific immune reaction present in all body cells. This provides the first explanation for why COVID-19 patients infected with Omicron are less likely to experience severe disease.
Researchers found that the Alpha variant produces a protein to stifle infected cells' immune signals, allowing it to evade detection and accelerate transmission. Similar mutations exist in Omicron, suggesting potential strategies for developing drugs to help the immune system fight SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers have discovered how dormant Toxoplasma parasites in the brain manipulate host cells to survive. The parasites release proteins called Inhibitor of STAT1 transcription (IST) to suppress immune signals, allowing them to evade detection and cause disease.
Researchers have uncovered how a viral RNA changes shape to hijack host proteins, revealing the role of cryogenic electron microscopy in making this discovery possible. The study highlights the emerging power of cryo-EM to visualize multifunctional dynamic RNA structures.
Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for COVID-19 by targeting the pentose phosphate pathway, which is necessary for SARS-CoV-2 replication. The study found that inhibiting this pathway with benfooxythiamine suppresses viral replication and reduces virus production.
A UBC-led research team discovered that SARS-CoV-2 attaches to and deactivates galectin-8, a sensor protein that protects cells against infection. By disabling this defense system, the virus can hijack host cells to produce more viruses.
Chromobacterium violaceum uses zinc ion transporter ZnuABC to overcome host constraints on metal availability, increasing its virulence. The discovery offers a route for novel therapies against bacterial infections.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 proteolysis and identifies key cellular substrates with therapeutic potential. The research provides a powerful resource for developing targeted strategies to inhibit the virus, which has caused over 227 million infections and 4.6 million deaths worldwide.
Researchers found that a family of proteins enhances the immune response to HIV, Ebola and Zika by boosting signals sent within immune cells. This discovery has implications for potential broad antiviral therapy.
Researchers used complex computer simulations to study the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants to human cells. They found that the virus has two main locations where it grabs onto the host cell receptor ACE2, with early strains having a slippery interaction at one region that becomes less slippery as variants evolve.
Researchers created a model to estimate viral population variability using epidemiological data, predicting the emergence of novel variants. The study suggests that lack of vaccination increases mutation frequency and spread.
The B.1.617 variant infects lung and intestinal cells more efficiently than the original virus, reducing antibody effectiveness in protecting against infection. This may lead to increased transmission among vulnerable populations.
Researchers identified 421 previously unknown interactions between Salmonella proteins and host cell proteins, including those involved in cholesterol trafficking. This approach sheds light on how Salmonella survives inside host cells by manipulating protein machineries and pathways.
A Rutgers-led study explores the evolution of photosynthesis, a process critical for plant growth. The research reveals that primary plastid endosymbiosis, a key step in photosynthesis, is rare due to its complex process.
Researchers have identified the structure and functions of RON13, a kinase essential for the invasive mechanism of Toxoplasma gondii in humans. The parasite's ability to infect cells is hindered without RON13, providing a potential target for new therapies.
Cleveland Clinic researchers found that a specific gut microbe enzyme, CutC, contributes to increased stroke severity. Targeting this enzyme may prevent stroke and improve post-stroke outcomes through dietary interventions and transplantation of beneficial gut microbes.
Researchers at CRCHUM and Yale University develop a cocktail that limits viral replication and decreases the HIV reservoir by destroying infected cells. The study successfully delays virus rebound, offering promising new therapeutic avenues against HIV.
Researchers found that a Western diet high in fat and sugar impairs intestinal immune cell function in mice, leading to increased gut permeability and chronic inflammation. Switching to a standard diet reverses the impairment.
Researchers found that GS-441524, a metabolite of remdesivir, inhibits the nsP3 protein's activity, which is important for virus replication and suppressing host cell defense. This discovery could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs effective against multiple viruses
Researchers develop a novel antiviral targeting Marburg virus, blocking its departure from infected cells. Preliminary results also show potential against SARS-CoV-2, with ongoing studies underway.
Corals use an ancient immune mechanism to select suitable microalgae as symbionts, tolerating them over time. The 'vomocytosis' process involves immune suppression that allows algae to establish a niche within the coral's cells, facilitating nutrient exchange.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University develop novel molecules that mimic CD4 proteins, preventing HIV particles from entering immune cells. These compounds show promise in reducing side effects while increasing effectiveness in stopping viral proliferation.
Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered how some antibodies can broadly neutralize ebolaviruses by targeting a key site on the virus called the glycan cap. This breakthrough may lead to the development of an antibody-based treatment that can save lives against a range of ebolavirus species.
Researchers have found that a chemical inhibitor called K777 can reduce the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells. Clinical trials are underway for its potential use in treating COVID-19, particularly in patients with severe cases.
Children's gut microbiota largely reaches adult composition by five years, but important differences remain. Key bacterial taxa are acquired late in childhood and may affect health later in life.
The 'Compact Cell-Imaging Device' project aims to advance research into viral diseases by developing a miniaturized soft X-ray approach. This method allows for three-dimensional imaging of intact cells and can reveal changes induced by viral infections, making it an attractive tool for studying SARS-CoV-2.