Articles tagged with Viral Genetics
A new study by NIH and its collaborators reveals that vaccination against one strain of Zika virus may be sufficient to provide protection against other genetically diverse strains. The research found that neutralizing antibodies produced in response to infection with one strain can also protect against infections caused by other strai...
Scientists have identified several genetic mutations in the Ebola virus that could render sequence-based treatments ineffective. The study found 10 new mutations that may interfere with monoclonal antibody, siRNA, and PMO drugs, highlighting the need to consider genetic drift when developing potential therapeutics.
A recent study published in Hepatology found that levels of hepatitis C virus (HCV) were higher among African-American and male injection drug users. The study also revealed that HCV RNA levels are influenced by demographic, viral, and human genetic factors, making it an important predictor of treatment response.
Researchers found that the vaccine-induced cellular immune response exerted selective pressure on the virus, leading to changes in its genetic makeup. The study identified potential T-cell targets and proposed a new design for vaccines aimed at debilitating viruses.
Biologists have found that the influenza A virus migrates globally and mixes with other viral strains during the summer off-season before returning to the Northern Hemisphere as a genetically different virus. The research suggests widespread viral traffic across the equator, contributing to new epidemics in both hemispheres.
Researchers found SIVcpz infection in up to 35% of chimpanzees in West Africa, allowing for genetic comparisons between HIV-1 and its simian counterpart. The study provides insights into the origins of HIV-1 and how it made the jump from animals to humans.
Recent research findings on avian flu provide critical insight into the origin of pandemic influenza, highlighting two possible mechanisms: direct transmission from birds to humans or reassortment with human strains. This knowledge can help scientists track virus adaptation and inform global surveillance efforts and vaccine development.
A team of Los Alamos researchers suggests using a consensus sequence of the HIV-1 virus as a basis for vaccines, rather than geographically specific strains. This approach aims to target common vulnerabilities in multiple strains of the virus.