Articles tagged with Herpesviruses
Research reveals that nuclear speckles are essential for processing and exporting viral messenger RNAs from the nucleus, highlighting their critical role in viral infections. The study suggests that understanding how viruses interact with host cells can lead to new ways to treat and prevent viral diseases.
Researchers used advanced microscopy and computational modeling to discover why herpesvirus infection changes nuclear structures and biomechanical forces. The study found that DNA viruses infect cells and take over the host cell nucleus, leading to dramatic structural modifications and a softening of the nucleus.
A new vaccine against elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) has been shown to be safe and trigger a strong immune response, with the potential to prevent deadly EEHV disease in young Asian elephants. The vaccine was tested in adult elephants at Chester Zoo and successfully activated key parts of the immune system.
Researchers discovered that herpesvirus protein kinases mimic human cyclin-dependent kinases, regulating viral infection and latency. Phosphorylation of the viral enzyme contributes to its survival and persistence, while phosphorylation downregulates its activity, allowing for balance between host survival and viral persistence.
Researchers developed an antiviral chewing gum containing a natural protein that neutralizes viral loads of influenza A strains and two herpes simplex viruses. The gum, made from lablab beans, was found to be safe and effective in reducing viral loads by over 95%.
Researchers are conducting a first-in-human clinical trial to test a modified herpes virus that targets spinal cord nerve cells to treat neurogenic bladder. The therapy, EG110A, aims to block sensory nerve signals causing involuntary bladder contractions and incontinence.
A University of Illinois Chicago study reveals that intranasal herpes infection can cause severe neurobehavioral symptoms, including anxiety and cognitive issues. The research suggests that the virus exploits a cellular enzyme to produce behavioral symptoms, emphasizing the need for prevention and treatment.
Scientists have identified a new target to prevent cold sores by understanding how the herpes virus triggers its own immune response. The discovery has important implications for genital herpes caused by the same virus, with potential treatments in development.
Researchers report an increase in adult VZV-related CNS infections, particularly since 2019, with a notable rise in aseptic meningitis cases. The study suggests that universal varicella vaccination may be contributing to the decline in natural immunity, leading to reactivation and CNS complications.
A new integrated 3D imaging approach has revealed exquisite detail of the virus assembly process used by herpes simplex virus during replication. The research identified previously unknown functions of HSV-1 structural proteins and provided insights into the unmutated gene's usual role in viral assembly.
Researchers from Cleveland Clinic’s Genome Center linked human herpesviruses to Alzheimer's disease via transposable elements. They identified TEs activated in HSV-1 infected brains and found that commercially available drugs can reverse this pathway.
Researchers discovered a link between HSV-1 and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that viral infections play a role in the disease. The study also found that tau protein initially protects the brain from the virus but contributes to brain damage later.
EBViously aims to prevent infectious mononucleosis and secondary diseases such as ME/CFS, while also protecting against certain types of cancer. The company's innovative vaccine candidate uses virus-like particles derived from EBV to trigger a targeted immune response.
Researchers mapped how HSV-1 enters the brain, infects critical regions, and triggers neurological diseases. The virus was found in areas controlling vital functions, such as sleep and movement, and interacted with immune cells that led to chronic inflammation.
Researchers have discovered how a protein linked to the human immune system wards off HIV-1 and herpes simplex virus-1 by assembling structures in the cell that lure in viruses and trap them. This discovery offers new avenues for antiviral therapies and could be used to devise strategies to combat these viruses.
Researchers at Houston Methodist are working on a national consortium to develop vaccines against two common and destructive strains of herpesviruses. The project aims to create prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines using a computational toolkit that could transform vaccine development.
A study by Aarhus University researchers reveals that the TMEFF1 gene produces a protein blocking herpesvirus entry into nerve cells, explaining why brain infections are rare. This discovery has great perspectives for understanding viral infections and potentially developing new treatments.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a mouse model of Kaposi sarcoma, which could facilitate the development of new drugs to treat the disease. The model provides a better understanding of angiogenesis and its potential targets for therapy.
Scientists detect Otariid gammaherpesvirus 1 (OtGHV1) and a novel virus Otariid gammaherpesvirus 8 (OtGHV8) in South American sea lions and fur seals, highlighting the importance of continued research into animal health and ecosystem dynamics. The discovery underscores the complexity of viral ecology in pinniped populations.
Researchers found that KSHV manipulates human enzymes CDK6 and CAD to reshape cellular metabolism and proliferation, leading to tumor formation. Inhibiting this process with existing FDA-approved breast cancer drugs reduced viral replication and shrunk tumors in preclinical models.
Researchers have discovered key mechanisms by which the host immune system blocks viral infection in the cell's nucleus, including the role of signaling proteins called interferons and host protein IFI16. These findings could lead to new treatments for herpesviruses and other nuclear DNA viruses.
Scientists have identified a molecule that effectively inhibits heparanase activity related to the herpes simplex virus, reducing its spread on human cells. The discovery is an important step towards developing a non-toxic heparanase inhibitor for clinical use.
Researchers have created a detailed map of HCMV particle interactions, revealing how viral proteins recruit host cell proteins to replicate efficiently. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the complex life cycle of HCMV and finding candidate anti-viral drugs.
A new group of DNA viruses, mirusviruses, has been discovered in marine plankton, linking them to both giant viruses and herpesviruses. The discovery reveals that the ancestors of herpes viruses once infected single-cell organisms, while the majority of mirusvirus genes share similarities with those of giant viruses.
Researchers found that severe herpesvirus infections can strongly activate host cellular immunity, leading to a therapeutic effect on refractory adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. This activation may play an important role in the survival of patients with this intractable disease.
Researchers found that measles virus mutations in its fusion protein allow it to infect nerve cells, leading to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. The team's discovery sheds light on the evolutionary mechanisms of viruses like coronaviruses and herpesviruses.
Scientists used a noninvasive tool of chewed plants to monitor mountain gorillas for human herpesviruses, finding no evidence of infection among the free-ranging gorillas. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of personalized health care for endangered mountain gorillas using this relatively new technique.
Scientists uncover ancient herpes DNA, revealing the virus's prehistoric origins around 5,000 years ago. The discovery suggests a link between the emergence of facial herpes and cultural practices like romantic and sexual kissing in Europe during the Bronze Age.
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.
A new study found that herpesvirus infection may contribute to impaired glucose metabolism and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) were associated with an increased incidence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, independent of other risk factors.
Researchers discovered a viral microRNA that induces the reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), linked to impaired heart function and diseases like multiple sclerosis and ME/CFS. The miR-aU14 acts as a master regulator, interfering with cellular signaling pathways to trigger reactivation.
Researchers have identified two new compounds that can inhibit the replication of human herpesviruses by targeting specific enzymes. This breakthrough offers new opportunities for developing agents against herpesviruses, which are currently difficult to treat effectively.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between Epstein-Barr virus infection and multiple sclerosis. The risk of MS increased 32-fold after EBV infection, while serum levels of neurofilament light chain, a biomarker of nerve degeneration, only increased after EBV infection.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago found a potential direct connection between neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), glaucoma, and herpesvirus. The study suggests OPTN protein restricts HSV-1 virus spread in cells.
Scientists have developed stable peptide mimics called peptoids to treat viruses and prevent infections. Peptoids, such as those tested against SARS-CoV-2 and HSV-1, could one day cure or prevent many kinds of infections, including COVID-19.
Researchers found that a key protein used by the varicella zoster virus to initiate infection does not operate as previously thought. The immune system can prevent infection by attacking a spot on the protein in an unexpected place, according to the study.
Researchers have identified 284 open reading frames in the herpes simplex virus 1 genome, allowing for more precise study of individual genes. This breakthrough has implications for immunological therapies, such as oncolytic viruses used to treat certain tumor diseases.
NASA research finds that dormant viruses reactivate in over half of crew members on Space Shuttle and International Space Station missions. The reactivation rate increases with spaceflight duration, raising concerns for the success of deep-space missions. Effective prevention and treatment are crucial to safeguarding astronauts.
A $2 million NIH grant will support research on how herpesviruses contribute to periodontitis and explore the potential of viral microRNAs as biomarkers for oral inflammation. The study aims to identify microRNAs that change in inflamed tissues and understand their impact on host immune cell functions.
Asian elephants are carriers of virus types 1, 4 and 5, while African elephants carry types 2, 3 and 6. The transmission of Elephant Herpes has been largely unknown until now.
A new study from Rice University found that patients' self-rated health is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality, even stronger than blood tests and measurements. The researchers linked low self-rated health to high levels of herpesvirus activity and inflammation, which are associated with poor cellular immunity and disease.
Research identifies cellular stress-sensors proteins that favor viral lytic gene expression and cell cycle arrest. The study provides insight into the link between stress responses, cell cycle regulation and virus reactivation in oncogenic herpesviruses.
Researchers found that apoptosis can reactivate latent herpesviruses in dying cells, which could have significant clinical implications. This discovery highlights the potential for cytotoxic cancer chemotherapies to activate dormant viruses, raising questions about the use of antiviral medications in treatment.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have identified a family of human genes known as Tousled-like kinases (TLKs) that play a key role in suppressing and activating herpesviruses. The discovery suggests that suppressing TLK enzymes may help prevent viral replication and reduce the risk of virus-associated cancers.
Researchers discovered that acyclovir directly suppresses HIV-1 in tissues co-infected with several herpesviruses. The activated form of acyclovir inhibits the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, necessary for viral replication. This finding holds promise for developing new anti-HIV treatments combining acyclovir with other therapies.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens identifies over 120 viral proteins that disrupt key cellular processes, including gene expression and antiviral responses. Herpesviruses employ multiple strategies to manipulate the host cell nucleus, particularly through disruption of PML bodies.
Heldwein's research aims to understand how herpesviruses enter host cells using structural and biophysical approaches. Her work has identified the shape of one protein that allows viruses to gain entry into cells.
Researchers found that THC prevents viral reactivation in gamma herpes viruses, which are linked to certain cancers. The study suggests a potential antiviral drug based on nonpsychoactive derivatives of THC, but further research is required.