Articles tagged with Virology
Researchers at ExCELLS/NIPS successfully determined the capsid structure of Melbournevirus at 4.4 Å resolution using cryo-EM. The study's 'block-based reconstruction method' improved resolution, revealing detailed arrangement of proteins constituting the massive capsid.
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.
A new tool, HIV-seq, has been developed to profile rare HIV-infected cells from people with HIV. The tool has recovered and analyzed more HIV-infected cells and higher numbers of HIV RNA within those infected cells. The study has identified key differences in people's HIV-infected cells before versus after starting antiretroviral therapy.
Researchers found that quantifiable HBV RNA levels are associated with a significantly higher risk of HCC, independent of traditional risk factors. Chronic hepatitis B patients with concurrent liver dysfunction should be intensified under surveillance for HCC.
Viral transcription in poxviruses is controlled by a unique protein VITF-3 that acts as a molecular clamp. The study reveals the structural details of this process, including the role of the capping enzyme and the specific start signal recognition.
A single injection of an oncolytic virus recruits immune cells to penetrate and persist deep within brain tumors, inducing long-term infiltration of immune T cells. This therapy expands pre-existing T cells in the brain, leading to a therapeutic benefit for patients with glioblastoma.
A new nanovaccine platform utilizes bacterial lipidation to enhance mucosal immune response against viruses. The lipoSC-RBDST nanovaccine elicits robust secretory IgA and lung-resident memory T cells, providing long-lasting immunity for at least eight months.
A study analyzing bat samples from the Indochina Peninsula identified 137 viral strains across 27 families, including novel species, with Rhinolophidae bats exhibiting high viral diversity. PEDV-related viruses were found in Cambodian bats, further supporting their potential evolutionary source.
A study in the Indochina Peninsula analyzed bat viromes from 197 bats across 16 species, identifying 137 viral strains, including a PEDV-related virus in Cambodian bats. The findings highlight critical surveillance gaps and emphasize the need for enhanced cross-border initiatives to prevent zoonotic outbreaks.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals the Epstein-Barr virus can damage the brain and contribute to multiple sclerosis through molecular mimicry. The researchers found that cross-reactive T cells are significantly more common in people with MS, and targeting these cells may lead to new treatments.
Researchers discover giant virus that infects amoeba, providing further support for nuclear virus origin hypothesis. The new virus, ushikuvirus, has distinct features and unique caps on its surface, which may hold clues to the evolution of complex cells.
A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that the HPV vaccine can protect against severe precancerous lesions of the vulva and vagina. Vaccination before the age of 17 offers the strongest protection, with a 55% lower risk compared to unvaccinated women.
A study from UMBC reveals a conserved RNA-protein interaction as a promising target for broad-spectrum enterovirus antivirals. The researchers found that a fusion protein called 3CD recruits proteins to assemble the replication complex, and targeting this interface could lead to universal drugs.
Researchers have identified two previously unknown circoviruses in short-finned pilot whales and orcas from the Caribbean region of the North Atlantic Ocean. The newly discovered viruses, named shofin circovirus and orcin circovirus, represent a distinct clade within the genus Circovirus.
A study found that viral interactions inside cells influence antiviral resistance outcomes, while a less potent drug may ironically improve its future utility by promoting social interactions in viruses. The researchers suggest a trade-off between hitting the virus hard and allowing resistance to rise.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center are using a human brain-on-a-chip system to study lethal encephalitis viruses and develop treatments. The chip replicates the function of the human brain, allowing scientists to test antiviral drugs in a more accurate and human-like environment.
Researchers at EMBL-EBI developed SPRTA, an interpretable and efficient way to score the reliability of each branch in a phylogenetic tree. This method enables fast and reliable understanding of virus strain evolution, informing better decisions during outbreaks.
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.
The USF Health Institute for Translational Virology and Innovation advances research on viral diseases, virus-associated cancers, and pandemic pathogens. The institute focuses on understanding the mechanisms of viruses causing tumors and developing comorbidities in HIV patients.
Salk Institute researchers have determined the structure of HIV's integrase protein during its newly discovered function, enabling the development of better HIV therapeutics. The study reveals a surprising flexibility in the protein's architecture, which can interact with both DNA and RNA, paving the way for new integrase-targeting drugs.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
A new class of antivirals called Pin1 inhibitors has shown promise in reducing or stopping outbreaks of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), the common infection behind oral herpes. By stabilizing nuclear membrane structure, Pin1 inhibitors physically trap the virus in the cell nucleus, preventing it from escaping.
A team of UCF researchers is creating a single low-cost test to detect multiple viruses simultaneously, which may be used in resource-limited settings. The test has the potential to save lives by providing quicker and more accessible results.
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 studied the impact of different producer cells on herpes virus replication and infectious capacity. They found that slight differences in protein composition can have downstream effects on virus establishment and treatment options.
The Gladstone Infectious Disease Institute is broadening its research scope to tackle pressing health challenges beyond viruses. Scientists are discovering new ways to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and explore the interconnectedness of viruses and bacteria in causing chronic diseases.
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.
Research by University of California, Riverside physicist Roya Zandi reveals how viruses form highly symmetrical icosahedral structures around their genomes through a process of self-correction, driven by protein elasticity. This study could lead to designing synthetic nanocontainers for medical and biotech uses.
A serological survey found antibodies against the virus in over 2% of cattle and wildlife samples in southern continental France. The detection highlights the risk of zoonotic transmission and underscores the need for further investigation into explanatory factors.
A team of international researchers, led by UC Riverside's Scott Pegan, are developing protective antibodies against CCHFV using monoclonal antibody treatments and exploring non-traditional viral targets. The study aims to identify life-saving therapeutics for future nairovirus outbreaks.
Researchers have found a clear relationship between koala stress and increased risk of disease, including Chlamydia. The study suggests that high KoRV loads may be weakening the immune system, making koalas more susceptible to diseases such as blindness and infertility.
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.
Researchers have successfully produced antibodies that kill the parasite carried by the 'kissing bug' that causes the potentially deadly Chagas disease. These antibodies target the parasite's infective stage and show neutralization rates exceeding 95%, making them a key step towards developing an effective vaccine.
A promising African swine fever vaccine candidate offers strong protection against one strain but fails to protect against others. The study highlights the need for region-specific vaccines and calls for further research into matching vaccines to virus types.
Researchers discovered that mitochondria use folate to prevent infection by competing with invading pathogens. In a study on Toxoplasma gondii, scientists found that the parasite grew more slowly when mitochondrial metabolism consumed folate, a critical nutrient for its survival.
The COVID-19 virus replicates using cellular machinery responsible for testosterone production, altering lipid metabolism and potentially leading to lower testosterone levels. This study reveals the mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 targets testicular cells, offering insights into male vulnerability to COVID-19.
A multi-year clinical research study in US children documents the rebound of endemic respiratory viruses after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study shows that non-pharmaceutical interventions decreased circulation rates of common respiratory pathogens in children, enabling more accurate predictions for future outbreaks.
Researchers developed an IBDV VP2 subunit vaccine that induces specific antibodies and protects against bursal atrophy. The study found that using certain adjuvants, such as Montanide ISA 78 VG, enhances the protective effects of the vaccine.
A comprehensive study of over 2,500 bat faecal samples reveals that young bats are frequently infected with multiple coronaviruses. This finding could inform the prediction of emerging riskier coronaviruses and highlights the importance of understanding coronavirus evolution in their natural host.
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 BA.2.86 Omicron strain was found to have emerged with a high number of genetic mutations in its spike protein, but failed to become a dominant strain. Its sporadic global detection has raised questions about the possibility of laboratory involvement in its emergence.
A new study found that a nontargeted screening approach can identify more patients with hepatitis C virus infections than traditional targeted screening methods. The results highlight the need for improved treatment models, as patients who went from diagnosis to sustained virologic response increased significantly.
Allowing avian flu to run rampant in US poultry would lead to unnecessary suffering and put other animals at risk. The authors suggest a more collaborative approach to reduce spillover risks and protect public and ecological health.
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.
Researchers investigated the link between HIV treatment regimens and osteoarthritis development, revealing that certain medications like lopinavir can exacerbate OA in the knee. The study's findings have important implications for people living with HIV, highlighting the need to carefully consider treatment options.
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 studied merbecoviruses, closely related to MERS-CoV, and found one subgroup, HKU5, has concerning traits that could allow it to infect humans. The viruses use a host receptor known as ACE2, which is also used by SARS-CoV-2.
A new study has identified a way to target the viral enzyme uracil-DNA glycosylase (vUNG) that helps HSV-1 evade the immune system, allowing reactivation of APOBEC1 and improving survival in infected mice. This approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for treating HSV-1 encephalitis by strengthening brain immunity.
Researchers discovered microbial communities thriving in glacier habitats on the Tibetan Plateau, interacting with intra- and extra-glacial ecosystems. Human activities and pollution pose a threat to these microorganisms, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
A new study finds that bats are a reservoir for morbilliviruses, including the human measles virus, and can transmit them to other mammalian species, such as monkeys. The research suggests that these viruses have crossed species boundaries multiple times, posing a significant threat to human health and livestock.
Researchers found cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) infecting plants in southern US states as early as 2006, contradicting the assumption that it emerged more recently. The study used modern data-mining tools to uncover hidden threats and highlights the importance of maintaining accessible databases for disease surveillance.
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.
CoVFit integrates molecular data with large-scale epidemiological data to predict the fitness of SARS-CoV-2 variants. The model was trained on mutations in the spike protein and population-level trends, enabling accurate predictions of variant fitness.
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.
Scientists have created a comprehensive bat organoid model to study zoonotic viruses, enabling early detection and drug testing for future outbreaks. The platform, comprising diverse bat species and organs, has led to breakthroughs in understanding virus behavior, isolation, and treatment.
A study by Korea University researchers has identified the association between viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's. They developed a therapeutic candidate ALT001 that improves mitophagy, reduces neuroinflammation, and suppresses viral replication.
A new film series, 'The Deadly Five,' is launched to raise awareness of five critical animal infectious diseases affecting animal and public health. The series explores disease surveillance, prevention, and control through scientific insights and global collaborations.
A new combination therapy using siRNA and a proprietary ferritin nanoparticle-preS1 vaccine has shown to achieve stable functional cure in mice with chronic hepatitis B. The treatment resulted in sustained HBsAg clearance, efficient seroconversion, and high levels of serum HBV DNA clearance.
A study found that the H5N1 virus in U.S. dairy cattle originated from a single spillover event from a wild bird, likely in Texas in 2023. The virus then spread rapidly across multiple states via infected or presymptomatic cattle, infecting other species such as poultry and wildlife.