Articles tagged with Virology
Early symptomatic cases linked to Hunan Market, where live animals were sold, suggesting zoonotic spillover as likely source of COVID-19. The closure of the market and lack of virus screening from animals may hinder understanding of the origin.
Researchers found that geriatric cotton rats given ibuprofen cleared RSV more quickly than those without the drug. Ibuprofen improved immune response by lowering aging-related inflammation, suggesting a potential role for the drug in providing lasting immunity against RSV.
A new study shows that boosting nonhuman primates with the Moderna vaccine six months after their primary series increases neutralizing activity against viral variants of concern. The boost sustained antibody responses for at least eight weeks, suggesting significant B cell memory induced by primary vaccination.
Researchers found that vaccinating more people with a single dose can be beneficial when the vaccine waning rate is low, slowing the spread of the virus. The 'prime first' strategy prioritizes speed over double doses under supply constraints, offering an alternative to traditional vaccination protocols.
Infection with measles virus triggers the activation of both RNA and DNA virus immune responses. The virus affects mitochondrial growth and division, causing their fusion and release of mitochondrial DNA into the cytoplasm. This leads to the activation of the cGAS immune response, which is also triggered by DNA viruses.
Researchers found that a light breeze of about 5 mph extends effective social distancing by around 20% due to increased viral load persistence. Wearing masks outdoors reduces the chances of infection, with stronger winds increasing virus spread.
Researchers found that a specific gene, OAS1, plays a crucial role in activating SARS-CoV-2 cellular defenses, and its prenylated form is essential for antiviral activity. Patients with the non-prenylated form had more severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute developed 'reporter viruses' that allow for real-time tracking of SARS-CoV-2 spread in cells and animal models. This enables faster screening of potential anti-viral drugs, vaccines, and neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers investigated aerosol production from singing and playing wind instruments to develop recommendations for minimizing COVID transmission. They found that placing a surgical mask reduced plume velocities and lengths, decreasing aerosol concentrations.
Researchers found that two drugs can suppress ACE2 protein production, reducing SARS-CoV-2 virus entry. Cigarette smoke extract and the drugs activate a receptor that inhibits ACE2 expression, making it harder for the virus to infect cells.
African countries faced limited initial virus spread from outside imports but emerged with deadly, high-transmission variants after intense domestic transmission. The true number of infections may be higher than reported, threatening global vaccine efficacy.
Researchers at University of Queensland discover koala retrovirus is transmitted from mother to joey through close proximity, highlighting a significant threat to wild koala populations. This finding may lead to re-thinked conservation plans and the use of antiretroviral treatment to prevent transmission.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Helsinki found that low-density granulocytes (LDG) play a significant role in weakening the immune response in covid-19 patients. The study revealed that LDGs inhibit T lymphocyte division, leading to suppressed adaptive immunity against the virus.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered a potential contributing mechanism to kidney dysfunction in acute hantavirus infection by investigating the body's response to the virus. Elevated levels of free light chains were found to be associated with kidney problems and may play a role in other infectious diseases.
Researchers have found that viruses like hepatitis B and C do not always kill infected cells, but instead cause long-term changes. These changes can affect genes related to cell division and metabolism, potentially contributing to increased risk of liver cancer in cured patients.
A new study found that rare single-nucleotide variants in the MX1 gene increase human susceptibility to zoonotic H7N9 avian influenza infection. These genetic vulnerabilities may act as incubators for transmission of virulent new IAV subtypes, posing a risk for pandemic viruses.
Researchers develop SEND system, which uses PEG10 to package and deliver specific RNAs into target cells. This approach expands applications for nucleic acid therapy, targeting specific cell types with minimal immunogenicity.
A new strategy for curing HIV targets latent viruses by blocking and excising the virus, offering hope for patients to be taken off daily treatments. The HOPE Collaboratory's approach uses genome editing technology to destroy latent HIV.
Wastewater screening at UC San Diego detects 85% of COVID-19 cases early, enabling timely testing, contact tracing, and isolation. The approach has reduced campus positivity rates to less than 1% during the pandemic.
Researchers discovered that mRNA-1273 vaccine-induced antibodies are a correlate of protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in non-human primates. The study found that these antibodies, particularly in the lower airways, offer protection against severe disease by reducing viral replication.
A virus that infects lepidopteran insects confers protection against parasitic wasps by inhibiting larval development. The discovery of the Parasitoid Killing Factor gene family highlights a novel mechanism of defense against parasites in these insects.
Repurposed drugs for COVID-19 have yielded no effective treatments despite billions spent. Direct-acting antivirals are recommended to avoid false positives and patient risks. The scientific community emphasizes thoroughness in drug screenings, highlighting the importance of structure-activity relationships.
Prof. Dr. Christian Drosten has been recognized for his accessible and transparent approach to explaining scientific knowledge during the COVID-19 pandemic. His fact-based communications have gained widespread acceptance and trust, including in politics, where he is a key adviser.
A study of 180 HIV-infected patients reveals a prevalence of 20% for AIDS-defining illnesses associated with ART. This investigation aims to educate physicians treating patients with HIV/TB, shedding light on the importance of timely treatment initiation.
A new global report calls for a 5-step plan to improve hygiene practices and reduce the burden of infectious diseases in children worldwide. The report aims to halve the incidence of diarrhoea and reduce common infections such as gastroenteritis, colds, and influenza in babies and children.
A universal infant vaccination campaign in China has led to a doubling of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutations, which may enable the virus to evade the vaccine. The mutations have risen from 6.5% in 1992 to nearly 15% in 2005, necessitating new vaccination strategies.
Researchers developed a monoclonal antibody effective against human norovirus, which can prevent infection in susceptible host cells. The study aims to explore the antibody as both treatment and disease prevention strategy for outbreaks, particularly among vulnerable populations like healthcare workers and travelers.
Researchers have shown that early treatment for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) within the first months following an infection develops a rapid poly-functional immune response against HCV. This finding suggests that early treatment can restore immune response and help eliminate the virus rapidly, contributing to the development of new treatments.
A Case Report warns travelers of exposure to the rare chikungunya virus in Indian Ocean Islands, which causes fever, joint pain, and rash. The authors advise preventive measures against mosquito bites and recommend avoiding travel for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and older adults.
Researchers at the Gladstone Institute have discovered a new pathway that regulates the activity of NF-kB, a protein controlling key inflammatory and immune responses. The study reveals how acetylation and deacetylation control NF-kB's ability to trigger biological processes.