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Building your immunity: Tissue-resident immune cells defend human lungs from viral, bacterial, and fungal infections

A recent study found that human lung tissue contains a vast reservoir of tissue-resident memory T cells (T RM cells) capable of targeting a range of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These cells reside only in the lungs and can live for years, providing a vital line of defense against severe respiratory infections.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2026

Sweeping up dust to detect emerging viruses

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered that dust can be used to track viral outbreaks in indoor settings. The team identified 54 distinct viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, using a novel sequencing technique. This method has the potential to provide quick and high-resolution insights into what is happening withi...

SourceOhio State University·JournalBuilding and Environment·DateMay 18, 2026

New study finds dried blood spot test reliably detects congenital CMV at birth

A new study confirms that testing for congenital CMV using the routine dried blood spot (DBS) method is a reliable and effective way to identify newborns at risk for long-term developmental challenges. The test detects over 90% of symptomatic CMV cases, effectively identifying babies in need of early interventions.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2025

University of Minnesota Medical School research team awarded 5-year, $3.3 million NIH grant for first-of-its-kind study of infants born with CMV

A University of Minnesota Medical School research team has launched a groundbreaking study on infants born with congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV). The five-year, $3.3 million grant will track the development of 200 infants over three years to better understand the virus's impact on long-term health and inform medical providers' clinica...

Long COVID not caused by COVID-19 immune inflammatory response, new research finds

Researchers at University of Bristol found that Long Covid is not caused by an immune inflammatory reaction to COVID-19. Instead, persistent immune activation and inflammation may persist for months after COVID-19, correlating with severe disease. The study suggests a new direction for understanding and potentially treating this debili...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

Throwing drug resistance for a loop

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have developed a novel class of therapeutics called feedback disruptors that target viral proteins' negative feedback loops. These drugs break the genetic feedback circuits, causing infected cells to self-destruct and stopping infection in its tracks.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateMay 12, 2022

Children with CMV infection by age 1 more likely to develop tuberculosis in childhood

Infants who contract cytomegalovirus (CMV) before age 12 months are at a significantly higher risk of developing TB later in their childhood. The study found that babies infected with CMV were more than three times more likely to develop TB after age 1 than children who had not become infected with CMV.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2021

Test screening for leading infectious cause of hearing loss in babies feasible and well-received

A new saliva test for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) has been shown to be feasible and well-received by parents, with high uptake and accuracy rates. The test could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of cCMV-related hearing loss and neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2021

HIV-positive infants are at high risk for acquiring congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Researchers found that HIV-infected infants were four times more likely to acquire congenital CMV infection compared to uninfected counterparts. Infants born to HIV-positive mothers had high rates of congenital CMV, with a sixfold greater chance of acquiring the virus during pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateOct 15, 2018