Researchers at ITQB NOVA discovered that SARS-CoV-2 has two fusion peptides in its spike protein, necessary for entering cells. The peptides work together to initiate membrane fusion, a crucial step for the virus's entry. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for developing strategies to block the virus.
A University of Minnesota-led team discovered a highly potent small molecule, MWAC-3634, that blocks Ebola virus entry by stabilizing the virus's entry protein. The compound shows strong protection when given orally in a preclinical model.
A study by Goethe University and Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt has found that seminal fluid can facilitate infection of skin cells with the monkeypox virus. The researchers discovered that protein fragments in seminal fluid form fibers that promote attachment of the virus to human cells, increasing the risk of transmission through sexu...
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have characterized human antibodies capable of neutralizing measles virus. The new panel of human antibodies may form the basis for future medical therapies against measles infection, with a study showing a 500-fold lower viral load in a rodent model.
Researchers discovered Marburg virus enters human cells up to 300 times more efficiently than Ebola, thanks to its unique entry protein. A nanobody has been identified to block its attachment to the receptor, providing a potential therapeutic strategy.
Researchers have discovered that human astroviruses bind to a protein in human cells called the neonatal Fc receptor. The study provides a key target for vaccine development and repurposing of existing treatments.
Researchers have uncovered how mosquito-borne viruses invade the brain by exploiting specific proteins on blood-brain barrier cells. The study highlights promising molecular targets for future vaccines and antiviral drugs to prevent severe neurological complications.
Researchers mapped the surface envelope glycoprotein of human endogenous retroviruses, opening doors to new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. The study revealed specific antibodies that target the viral proteins, potentially leading to new cancer immunotherapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases.
The team built a high-resolution 3D structure of the Powassan virus, shedding light on its transmission and potential therapeutics. The findings could inform future treatments and preventions for this emerging tick-borne disease.
Researchers have identified a critical step in SARS-CoV-2 viral infection: the protective role of ORF3a, which forms dense bodies surrounding the spike protein to prevent it from being cut into smaller components. This finding could lead to new therapeutic targets and vaccine development strategies.
Researchers have uncovered a key reason why HIV remains difficult to cure, revealing that subtle variations in the Rev-RRE axis influence viral replication and latency reactivation. Understanding this regulatory system could help develop strategies to flush out the dormant virus and eliminate it for good.
The Zika virus employs its host cells' autophagy mechanism to suppress proteins that would trigger an antiviral response, allowing for sustained infection. This unique strategy involves the manipulation of three proteins on the viral membrane, which are also involved in viral entry and replication.
Scientists have developed a universal protocol to investigate how viruses interact with host cells, revealing a cascade of cellular reactions triggered by contact between the virus and cell surface. This breakthrough provides insights into the biology of influenza viruses and identifies potential targets for antiviral therapies.
Researchers at Uppsala University found that Semliki Forest virus penetrates the central nervous system by entering the cerebrospinal fluid and binding to VLDLR before penetrating deeper into the brain. This finding could be used to develop the virus as an agent for treating brain cancer.
Researchers identified a protein in mammals that welcomes arteriviruses into host cells to start an infection. The team also found that an existing monoclonal antibody protects cells from viral infection, providing potential therapeutic strategy.
Researchers used advanced techniques to study phage infection at the level of individual bacterial cells. They found that coinfecting phages impede each other's entry, perturbing the cell's electrophysiology and affecting the outcome of infection. This discovery opens a new avenue for research in bacterial electrophysiology.
A new study reveals that about two percent of the population develop autoantibodies against type 1 interferons, making them more susceptible to severe viral infections. The autoantibodies remain detectable in the blood for life and are associated with a compromised type 1 interferon system.
A research team at HKUST has identified new host factors that facilitate SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells. The study reveals that these factors, including SH3BP4 and ADAM9, promote viral internalization via the endocytic pathway and may enhance the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant.
Research finds that viral genome replication increases with efficient TMPRSS2-mediated entry, leading to stronger immune response and faster death. The presence of TMPRSS2 also enhances virus production and drives convergent evolution in SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Researchers deciphered the molecular structure of bulevirtide in complex with HBV/HDV receptor NTCP, revealing a unique 'plug' that inhibits virus entry. The study also sheds light on evolutionary adaptation of HBVs to host species and provides insights for developing smaller, more effective active agents.
A new study by Karolinska Institutet researchers has identified the protein on cell surfaces that the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus uses to enter human cells. This discovery is crucial in developing effective treatments and vaccines for the deadly disease, which can cause up to 40% mortality rate.
The study found that solely the omicron variant influences cell cycle genes, leading to increased p21 expression and a senescence-associated secretory phenotype. This results in premature cellular senescence, potentially contributing to the reported cytokine storm and development of long-COVID.
Researchers at UC Riverside found that SARS-CoV-2 entry varies among different species and tissue types, highlighting the need for thorough investigations into viral entry mechanisms. The study's findings suggest that targeting TMPRSS2 may not be effective in preventing COVID-19 infection in mink.
Researchers at Institut Pasteur have identified the TMPRSS2 enzyme as the receptor that allows HKU1 virus to enter human cells. This discovery may help explain why SARS-CoV-2 causes more severe disease than other coronaviruses, and could lead to targeted therapies.
Researchers found that highly conserved amino acids within MHC-II are crucial for bat influenza A virus infection. The study reveals a broad range of vertebrates, including humans, can be targeted by these viruses due to their ability to bind to MHC-II.
A recent study unveiled the doorway that SARS-CoV2 uses to slip inside cells undetected. Cholesterol clusters make up this door, allowing the virus to infect human cells. Regular exercise and mechanical force can disrupt these cholesterol aggregates, reducing the risk of infection.
Researchers have identified DYRK1A as a key regulator of the SARS-CoV-2 viral receptor, which is critical for entry into human tissues. Reducing DYRK1A activity decreases infection, providing new insights into COVID-19 causation and potential antiviral treatments.
Researchers found that coronaviruses, like SARS-CoV-2, bind to individual monomeric ACE2 receptors on host cells, rather than forming dimers or oligomers. This interaction is sufficient for infection and contributes to the virus's high infectiousness.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have developed a high-resolution view of the LCMV glycoprotein, revealing its structure and potential vulnerabilities. The breakthrough enables the development of an engineered antibody that can prevent LCMV disease, offering a new route to treatment.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that human norovirus GII.4 invades gastrointestinal cells via an unexpected mechanism involving interactions between viral and human cell surface proteins. The findings provide insight into the viral infection process and highlight unique pathways for developing effective therapeutics.
Researchers at Arizona State University describe an innovative therapy using transient expression in tobacco plants to produce a monoclonal antibody against SARS-CoV-2. This class 4 mAb provides key advantages over existing treatments, including mutation resistance and universal protection against emerging variants.
Researchers have found that the naturally occurring amino acid ALA can reduce the expression of ACE2 on cell membranes, potentially lowering SARS-CoV-2's infectious capabilities. The study also reveals an underlying mechanism involving the production of heme, which is boosted by co-administering ALA with an iron source.
A study published in Hepatology reveals that the EGFR protein plays a crucial role in the entry mechanism of hepatitis E virus into human hepatocytes. The researchers found that suppressing the activity of the EGFR protein significantly reduced cell infections, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for approved cancer drugs.
Researchers developed a translational step forward in treating brain tumors using intraventricular immunovirotherapy, which has shown safety and efficacy in recent clinical trials. This approach uses oncolytic herpes simplex virus type-1 to target high-grade glioma with promising results.
A new study reveals that high-affinity B cells trigger a change in the criteria for admission to germinal centers, allowing low-affinity B cells to join, increasing the diversity of the immune response. This process is crucial for fighting off viruses like SARS-CoV-2 but may hinder efforts against HIV.
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 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.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that low concentrations of cetylpyridinium chloride in mouthwash can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and viral load, regardless of variant. This antiviral effect is thought to be due to disruption of the lipid membrane surrounding the virus.
A study found that specific N-glycans on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein regulate its development and functional maturation. This is crucial for viral entry into host cells. Researchers highlight N-linked glycans as potential drug targets for COVID-19.
Researchers at ITQB NOVA and iMM discovered that the parainfluenza fusion peptide promotes membrane fusion by destabilizing the host's membrane and forming clusters of oligomeric structures. This breakthrough can contribute to developing antiviral therapies to prevent infection.
Researchers discovered a molecular switch in flavivirus that controls virus assembly, maturation, and entry into new cells. This switch is triggered by pH-dependent conformational changes in viral envelope proteins.
Researchers have developed a new compound that prevents and treats COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant in mice. The compound, N-0385, blocks entry at the cell surface without causing detectable cell damage.
The study reveals the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 directly binds exogeneous sialic acids, providing a new understanding of the virus's infection mechanism. This discovery opens up new therapeutic opportunities by targeting this interaction.
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 study identifies a set of cellular receptors for eastern equine encephalitis virus and other alphaviruses shared across mosquitoes, humans, and animals. The researchers tested a decoy molecule that successfully prevented infection and slowed disease progression in cell and animal models.
A new study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 limits viral particle release and instead spreads through cell-to-cell transmission, enabling efficient infection without the need for antibodies. This stealthy transmission method makes it challenging for the host immune system to target and neutralize the virus.
Scientists have developed a fusion protein that successfully blocks replication of SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses in cell culture tests. The protein combines ACE2 with human antibody fragments, providing reliable protection against future mutations.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that rodents have a greater diversity and accelerated rate of evolution in the ACE2 receptors used by SARS viruses. This suggests that some rodent species may be asymptomatic carriers of SARS-like coronaviruses, potentially leading to new pathogen transmission to humans.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2021
Research reveals SARS-CoV-2 can enter the brain and affect neural function, leading to symptoms like headache, depression, and fatigue. Many people experience lingering cognitive or neurological problems months after initial recovery.
Researchers identify structure and interaction between HCV E2 protein and CD81 receptor, revealing acidic conditions enhance binding and facilitate cell entry. This discovery provides new leads for developing an HCV vaccine by targeting specific antibodies against the virus.
Scientists have discovered a hidden 'gate' in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that allows the virus to infect cells. The discovery reveals a glycan mechanism that opens the gate, enabling the virus to enter host cells. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutics to counter COVID infection.
Researchers identified two lectins, Clec4g and CD209c, that strongly bind to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, blocking viral entry into cells. These findings hold promise for developing robust therapeutic interventions against circulating variants.
A new study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 infects cells with high expression of ACE2 receptor and protease, found in lung epithelium and other organs. The study suggests that elderly people, men, and smokers are more severely affected due to increased viral entry factor expression.
Researchers found that melatonin synthesized in the lungs acts as a barrier against SARS-CoV-2, preventing expression of genes that encode proteins in cells serving as viral entry points. The hormone also inhibits immune response to allow virus to remain in respiratory tract for a few days.
Researchers at UNIGE have identified sulfur molecules that can effectively block the uptake of SARS-CoV-2 viruses by cells. The team found inhibitors up to 5,000 times more effective than existing treatments, providing a promising lead for developing new antivirals.
INRS researchers have discovered a new parvovirus strategy for reaching the cell nucleus, using a mechanical response involving an inner pentamer helix bundle. This method is distinct from previously identified enzymatic reactions and has implications for understanding how viruses enter cells.
Researchers developed the first fully-glycosylated full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike protein models available to other scientists. The models can be used for innovative simulation research to prevent and treat COVID-19.
The study analyzed data from 2,158 patients who received favipiravir for COVID-19 and found correlations between treatment and improved clinical outcomes. The observational study aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of favipiravir in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
A team of scientists has identified two host cell proteases, TMPRSS2 and furin, responsible for processing the S-glycoprotein of SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Inhibiting these proteases could prevent viral entry into host cells, making them potential targets for COVID-19 therapeutics.