Articles tagged with Viral Vectors
A new approach captures mosquito waste to detect viruses and parasites, revealing a hidden world of genetic material. The method identifies a complete West Nile virus genome, a Hedwig-like virus, and potentially new viruses, strengthening mosquito surveillance for emerging health threats.
A large dengue outbreak in Italy was analyzed to identify transmission patterns. The data show that more than half of linked transmission events involved people within 100m apart. Temperature played a role in reducing transmission, with a drop in autumn temperatures contributing to the decline.
Climate change is likely to spread chikungunya virus into temperate regions like northeastern North America, central Europe, and East Asia, with the Asian tiger mosquito playing a key role in transmission. Public health officials should prepare by tracking mosquitoes, training doctors, and strengthening control measures by 2040.
Researchers developed an AI-powered methodology to identify and count target viruses more efficiently than previous techniques. The new approach uses electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and machine learning to separate signals from noise, enabling quick and accurate readings across a wide range of titers.
The study provides new insight into how the tick-borne virus replicates and matures, with detailed three-dimensional images revealing the virus's interior. The researchers also observed how a small genetic difference between variants affects maturation speeds, paving the way for future treatments against TBE.
Researchers at NUS Medicine discovered that genetic vectors can efficiently spread antibiotic resistance within the gut, enabling even highly virulent bacteria to acquire drug resistance. This finding sheds light on the emergence of 'superbugs' in healthcare settings.
Research by Politecnico di Milano finds that even a small percentage of individuals who don't follow health measures can significantly increase the infection peak and strain healthcare facilities. The study emphasizes the need to monitor and adapt public health strategies to individual urban contexts, making interventions more effective.
Researchers discovered a 'sticky' molecule, P-selectin, that can cause blood clots and organ failure during COVID-19. A new mRNA therapy that drives P-selectin expression provides broad protection against coronavirus infection.
Researchers developed a new gene therapy that reversed symptoms related to SYNGAP1-related disorders in mice, including intellectual disability, epilepsy, and risk-taking behaviors. The therapy successfully delivered a working copy of the SYNGAP1 gene into brain cells using an adeno-associated virus, offering hope for treatment in humans.
Researchers argue that AI can strengthen pandemic preparedness by detecting emerging diseases earlier. By combining data from humans, animals, and the environment, AI can reveal patterns and provide insights into potential pathogens.
Researchers used computer modeling and large datasets to understand how COVID-19 was transmitted in one community in South Africa. The study found that population density and household size significantly affected transmission patterns during lockdowns and government restrictions.
Macromolecular gene delivery systems are advancing non-viral therapeutics by overcoming challenges like lower transfection efficiency and stability issues. Innovations in polymer design, functionalization, and targeting mechanisms are paving the way for clinically viable non-viral treatments.
Gene therapy relies on efficient and safe delivery of therapeutic genes to target cells. Macromolecular carriers, including synthetic and natural polymers, offer biocompatibility, controlled release, and targeted delivery. These systems have shown promise in treating genetic disorders and complex diseases like cancer.
Researchers have identified a new strain of orthoreovirus in an Everglades short-tailed shrew, which is believed to be transmissible to humans. The discovery was made possible by the cat, Pepper, whose hunting prowess led to the finding of the virus.
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 create map of T cell responses to Chikungunya virus, shedding light on chronic disease triggers. They found that people with chronic disease have T cells targeting the same viral epitopes as those who cleared the virus.
Scientists at San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy discovered that CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing can cause inflammation and senescence-like responses in blood stem cells. This reduces the cells' ability to regenerate blood cells after transplantation, limiting the long-term success of gene therapy.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that CD4+ T cells target Chikungunya virus, leading to chronic inflammation and joint pain. The study suggests that these monofunctional T cells may be the culprits behind arthritis-like symptoms in CHIKV patients.
The Phytovirome Focus Issue addresses fundamental and translational aspects of phytovirome science, highlighting the transformative role of high-throughput sequencing technologies. Researchers discovered a remarkable diversity of viruses in plants, with complex communities interacting with hosts in both pathogenic and beneficial ways.
A multidisciplinary team has generated an atlas to optimize gene therapy delivery, providing researchers with insights into the most effective viral vectors for specific tissues. The study identifies AAV4 as a promising vector for vascular and pancreatic applications, offering new possibilities for treating conditions like diabetes.
Researchers from La Jolla Institute for Immunology and UC San Diego discover Zika virus blocks dendritic cells' ability to alert T cells, while dengue virus stimulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a stronger but uncontrolled immune response. Understanding these differences is key to developing life-saving vaccines.
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.
Researchers developed a novel AAV-equipped nanomachine that successfully overcame gene therapy challenges in mice, including reduced efficiency due to neutralizing antibodies and hepatotoxicity. The nanomachine demonstrated sufficient gene transfer activity and suppressed liver toxicity markers.
A new study found that gene therapy delandistrogene moxeparvovec significantly extended the median survival of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) rats to >25 months. Additionally, the treatment elicited statistically significant improvements in cardiac parameters and mobility.
Researchers discovered a new type of jeilongvirus in a Florida mouse, which can infect humans and non-human primates, posing a risk of serious illness. The virus is genetically distinct from others and can cause disease in various species.
Genethon has developed an innovative gene therapy vector that effectively targets muscle tissue while reducing the risk of liver penetration. The new capsid design uses AI predictive methodology to improve efficacy and safety, paving the way for more effective treatments for neuromuscular diseases.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet successfully used gene therapy to improve vision in 11 out of 12 patients with Bothnia dystrophy, a form of hereditary blindness. The treatment involved injecting a specially designed virus under the retina, which produced normal protein and restored visual function.
Scientists from Spirovant Sciences describe a novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy called SP-101 that has been optimized for efficient human airway cell transduction. After single dose inhaled delivery, the vector showed consistent expression of a functional and regulated shortened human CFTR minigene.
Researchers developed a novel nanosensing technique to measure viral vector characteristics, enabling quality control of AAV vectors for safe and effective gene therapy. The approach uses nanopore sensing to detect defects in viral particles, offering potential solutions for reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes.
The study found that subtle shifts in the shape of viral spike proteins changed targetable host receptors, leading to the virus's decline as a human pathogen. Researchers also discovered that some strains could stick their spike proteins to multiple receptors, challenging previous assumptions about viral behavior.
Researchers at UW Medicine have developed a new gene therapy that delivers protein packets to replace defective genes in muscles, halting disease progression and reversing pathology. The therapy uses adeno-associated viral vectors and aims to restore normal muscle health, with human trials expected to begin in two years.
Research reveals native plants and non-native crops attract pests that spread diseases, causing harm to both plant populations. The studies also found viruses transmitted from crops to wild plants, which can have devastating effects on native ecosystems.
Researchers describe redundant innate immune pathways triggered by AAV vectors, including sensing of viral genome and cytoplasmic DNA sensors. The study highlights the need to understand complex biologic mechanisms underlying adverse reactions to AAV vectors in human gene therapy trials.
Researchers identified a kissing bug in Delaware with the Chagas disease-causing parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Entomologists confirmed the insect's presence and found it was infected with the parasite, which can lead to serious heart problems if left untreated.
A study found that mosquitoes in Greater Paris can transmit five arboviruses within different time frames, with West Nile virus transmitted in as little as three days. The results highlight the importance of increased surveillance and control measures to prevent disease outbreaks during the Olympic Games.
The study highlights the emergence and spread of harmful pathogens due to climate change. The medical community must update their education and training to combat global warming and its impact on disease behavior.
Researchers have defined what a premature aging disease is and developed tools to diagnose progeria patients, allowing them to identify new syndromes. The study also identified correlations between progeroid syndromes and other conditions, providing a significant step forward in understanding premature aging.
A UC Irvine-led research team has developed new recombinant rabies viral vectors for neural circuit mapping, offering improved capabilities for detecting microstructural changes in brain neurons. These tools hold potential for understanding neural circuitry in both normal and pathological conditions.
Researchers have found that a gene-based therapy targeting plakophilin-2 can interrupt the progression of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, a rare inherited disorder. The treatment reduced episodes of arrhythmia and slowed the deterioration of the heart's walls in mice.
New research found significant differences in heat tolerance among mosquito populations, with some more resilient to heat waves than others. Climate factors such as precipitation and humidity play a crucial role in determining their thermal limits, which may impact disease transmission.
A U of M-led study introduces an innovative genetic engineering method that avoids cost and safety concerns associated with viral vectors. The method combines CRISPR-Cas9 precision genome editing and a novel DNA integration mechanism, integrating large DNA sequences into human T-cells with high efficiency.
Becky Trout Fryxell, UTIA associate professor of entomology and plant pathology, is part of the $7.1 million VectorED Network, focused on preventing and educating about vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease and La Crosse virus in Tennessee.
A systematic review of air filtration systems found little evidence to support their effectiveness in reducing the risk of viral infections. The study analyzed 32 studies and found no strong evidence that air treatment technologies can protect people from catching airborne respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.
A new study reveals that mosquito eggs can tolerate extended desiccation by changing their metabolic pathway. By rewiring their polyamine and lipid metabolism, the eggs become more resistant to dehydration. This finding provides potential new ways to control the spread of Zika virus.
Researchers have developed a novel approach, REVeRT, to efficiently transport large genes using dual AAV vectors at the transcript level. This new method offers increased efficiency, fewer side effects, and greater flexibility compared to existing strategies.
A recent study published in Nature Communications identified an important brain circuit for socially subjective reward valuation, finding that temporarily disconnecting the medial prefrontal cortex from the lateral hypothalamus reduces susceptibility to others' rewards but not individual expectations. This research has significant impl...
Researchers find that viruses, like bacteriophages, can eavesdrop on bacterial communication and switch from chill mode to kill mode in response to chemical signals. The study reveals tools that control this strategy and demonstrates its abundance, providing new insights into viral behavior.
A new therapy delivery method, using modified viruses engineered with fusogens Myomaker and Myomerger, shows promise as a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The vector can deliver a vital gene needed for muscle function to cells, potentially providing a lifelong supply of the missing gene.
Researchers discovered that autophagy plays a crucial role in facilitating the co-transmission of two distinct arboviruses by insect vectors. The study found that RSMV nucleoprotein activates complete anti-viral autophagy, while RGDV nonstructural protein Pns11 induces incomplete autophagy to promote viral propagation.
Researchers analyzed data on European travellers arriving from Africa between 2015 and 2019, finding malaria as the most common arthropod-borne disease. The study highlights the importance of using travellers' health data to complement local surveillance systems in Africa.
Rice University researchers have developed an innovative system to study mosquito feeding behavior using fake skin made with a 3D printer, eliminating the need for live volunteers. The system was tested on various mosquito repellents and showed promising results, suggesting it could be scaled up for future studies.
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.
Scientists at Duke University have made a breakthrough in controlling gene expression in response to injury, using a segment of fish DNA called TREE. The method successfully targeted gene activity to specific regions and time windows, showing promise for regenerating damaged tissues in mammals.
A global study found that most rodents spreading zoonotic pathogens live near or in human dwellings, exhibit large population fluctuations, and are hunted for meat or fur. These factors contribute to the transmission risk between humans and rodents, particularly in regions such as Europe and South America.
Researchers have engineered a family of adeno-associated viral vectors that can deliver cargo to the primate brain, offering a safer and more efficient way to treat genetic diseases. The PAL family of AAVs has been shown to be three times better at delivering their cargo into the brain than current leading AAV delivery vehicle AAV9.
Researchers developed a highly effective and safe Zika vaccine technology that prevents systemic infection in pregnant mice and stimulates an immunogenic reaction. The vaccine was tested in various mouse models, proving safe and protective against the virus.
Researchers at University of California - Riverside discovered a chemical cocktail in human skin that summons disease-spreading mosquitoes. The combination of carbon dioxide plus two chemicals, 2-ketoglutaric and lactic acids, elicits a scent that attracts female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, vectors of Zika and other viruses.
A literature review found that only 53% of primary research supported the association between land change and zoonotic disease risk. Webpage content often overstated the evidence, neglecting uncertainty. The authors recommend more accurate and nuanced science communication to improve understanding.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF have developed a new approach to introduce long DNA sequences into cells with remarkable efficiency. The technology, which uses single-stranded DNA templates, overcomes the limitations of traditional viral vectors and has the potential to make cell therapies faster, better, and less expensive.
A University of Essex study found that three-quarters of professional footballers experienced general fatigue for 37 days and muscle fatigue for 38 days after recovering from COVID-19. Despite no drop in lung capacity, GPS data showed a four per cent decline in match performance.