Articles tagged with Viruses
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.
A new hypothesis article proposes that HPV E6 and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins could cooperate in suppressing host defenses including tumor suppressor mechanisms involving p53. Laboratory studies suggest that combined viral pressures on tumor-suppressor pathways may contribute to cancer progression.
Researchers have discovered that feline infectious peritonitis virus infects a broader range of immune cells, including B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. The findings suggest that the virus can persist in these cells even after treatment, potentially leading to long-term immune problems.
Researchers discovered a subcellular environment within the giant virus Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus that enables efficient translation of viral mRNAs despite mismatched codon usage with its host. This specialized environment alleviates the unfavorable translation condition, allowing for optimal viral replication.
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.
New study reveals that viruses living on plastics can act as drivers of antibiotic resistance dissemination by transferring genetic material between bacteria. Environmental context is crucial in understanding the risks of plastic pollution on public health.
Researchers found that some phage-resistant mutations enhance bacteria's ability to sink carbon, while others slow down growth rates. The study suggests that the selection of surface mutants may play a key role in marine biological pump and carbon export.
Researchers describe first reported mpox transmission of clade Ib in a healthcare setting outside Africa, with Ireland's nosocomial outbreak linked to local cases. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, community transmission shifted from sexual to non-sexual routes, driven by factors like overcrowding and child malnutrition.
The Influenza A(H3N2) subclade K virus is a growing concern due to its antigenic variants and reduced vaccine effectiveness. Researchers emphasize the need for swift responses to protect public health.
Researchers developed an engineered antibody that outsmarts cytomegalovirus by avoiding its immune evasion strategies and activating immune cells to attack infected cells. This breakthrough could lead to safer and more effective treatments for vulnerable populations.
Researchers found that valacyclovir, an antiviral medication, was ineffective in treating early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease and may even worsen cognitive function. The study suggests that individuals with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease and herpes simplex virus seropositivity should not be treated with valacyclovir.
A new AI framework uses a pre-trained viral protein language model to predict the adaptation risk of unknown viruses. The framework, called GIVAL, achieves high accuracy and robustness even with incomplete data, providing critical support for early warning and proactive prevention and control of viral infectious diseases.
A reduced pledge by Canada to the Global Fund could lead to decreased success in controlling tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in the country. The authors of an editorial urge Canada's government to invest in improving social determinants of health and implement disease-specific suggestions to address these pressing global health issues.
Researchers discovered complex viral communities in wastewater treatment plants, interacting with bacteria to influence treatment efficiency and health risks. The study found that viruses can act as reliable biological indicators of treatment performance, while also potentially promoting the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
Researchers at Penn State have identified a deliberate imbalance in the shape of viral shells that helps them infect their hosts. The 'loaded die' design creates a spring-loaded genome that positions genetic material precisely, allowing viruses to rapidly hijack host machinery and replicate.
The emergence of A(H3N2) subclade K viruses in Australia and New Zealand extended their influenza seasons, with Australia experiencing a record-breaking season. The viruses were likely imported from the US and accounted for half of Australian viruses and over two-thirds of New Zealand viruses.
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 new study found that adults hospitalized with RSV often struggle with breathlessness, reduced ability to perform everyday activities, and lower quality of life six to 12 months after their hospitalization. The study also showed that younger adults can experience serious RSV infections requiring hospitalization, similar to older adults.
Researchers are developing a first-of-its-kind mRNA vaccine against severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a tick-borne viral disease. The vaccine is being designed using cutting-edge AI and computational techniques, aiming to accelerate response to future epidemics and pandemics.
Researchers have created a simple and efficient system to understand norovirus gene functions, enabling the development of antivirals and vaccines. The new method involves injecting norovirus cDNA clones into zebrafish embryos to generate infectious human noroviruses.
A cohort study of adults aged 45 or older with RSV infection found a significant excess risk of cardiovascular events over 1 year, comparable in magnitude to influenza infection. This highlights the importance of RSV as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and underscores the need for vaccination to mitigate this burden.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham developed a modified herpes simplex virus that stimulates the immune system to attack glioblastoma cells, increasing T-cell and natural killer cell responses. The virus, engineered to recognize markers found on glioblastoma cells, also increases overall survival in preclinical models.
A Northwestern University study found that airplane and hospital air mostly contain harmless microbes from human skin, with some potentially pathogenic species in extremely low abundance. The study used worn face masks as a passive tool to monitor indoor air, revealing the invisible world of microbes floating in our shared air.
Researchers found that adding spironolactone to standard HIV treatment can significantly reduce the amount of virus in the bloodstream and decrease signs of inflammation. This combination also helps quiet viral activity without removing infected cells, suggesting a potential path to hasten suppression and mitigate chronic inflammation.
Researchers developed VIRE, a comprehensive viral genome database with over 1.7 million genomes from diverse ecosystems. The platform provides taxonomic information, predicted hosts, and gene functions for viruses, enabling data-driven research across various fields.
A new combination therapy approach enabled seven out of ten participants to keep the virus at low levels for many months after going off antiretroviral therapy. The results suggest a possible cure for HIV and offer a proof of concept that this approach could work.
This study reveals significant viral-host interactions in colorectal polyps, identifying specific viruses associated with oncogenic and tumor-suppressive transcriptomic profiles. The findings suggest that viral activity contributes to early neoplastic transformation, challenging the traditional view of viruses as mere bystanders.
Researchers have found that early-infancy RSV infection significantly increases the risk of developing childhood asthma, especially in those with family history of allergy or asthma. Protecting newborns against RSV could substantially reduce asthma cases later in life.
A study found that hepatitis C treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) improves immune function in individuals co-infected with HIV and HCV, even in those with advanced liver disease. The treatment resulted in significant declines in inflammation and liver damage markers.
The FluWarning system uses genetic code analysis to detect subtle changes in flu viruses that may indicate cross-species transmission. It has been successfully applied to H5N1 bird flu and detected clusters of viral activity in the US, issuing alerts before official reports were published.
Researchers have catalogued a new collection of bacteria-eating viruses to combat the growing threat of hospital superbug Klebsiella pneumoniae. The open-source phage library offers scientists a valuable resource to develop new treatments and improve understanding of phages and bacteria interactions.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new method to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria using bacteriophages, which target the Klebsiella pneumoniae species. The evolved phages demonstrated improved effectiveness in killing multiple bacterial strains, including multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant K. pneumoniae.
The Applied Microbiology International (AMI) society has issued a warning about the threat of antimicrobial resistance in viruses and other pathogens. AMI is urging policymakers to strengthen the revised Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, including all types of pathogenic organisms.
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 have created a detailed map of a bacteriophage, a virus that targets and kills harmful bacteria. The study's findings hold promise for developing new therapies to combat antibiotic resistance.
In response to rising RSV cases, ECDC advises policymakers and public health authorities on effective ways to mitigate the impact of RSV disease in infants. Immunisation interventions, including long-acting monoclonal antibodies and maternal vaccines, can prevent severe illness and hospitalization.
Researchers have mapped the full structure of bacteriophage Bas63 using cryo-EM, revealing unique decoration proteins and a rare whisker and collar structure. The detailed structural information will enable rational phage design and engineering efforts for specificity and target regions.
The University of Houston is part of a statewide effort to fight the opioid epidemic by investigating opioid use disorder among people living with HIV in Harris County. Researchers aim to integrate prevention methods, including Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), into treatment for those affected.
Research at Amsterdam UMC found that early HIV treatment improves immune system function in the short term but leads to dysregulation in the long term. After six months of treatment, the immune system functions similarly to that of people without HIV, but this improvement is temporary and does not last beyond three years.
Researchers are investigating co-evolution between viruses and the immune system to predict future variants and develop effective vaccines and preventive measures. The ERC Synergy Grant will fund a six-year project, CoEvolve, led by physicists Michael Lässig and virologist Florian Klein.
A new method enables scientists to read the genomes of individual cells and viral particles in the environment more quickly and efficiently. The approach, known as environmental microcompartment genomics, increases throughput by an order of magnitude and provides unique insights into the diverse world of marine viruses.
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.
A new study identifies specific bat species carrying viruses with high epidemic potential. The research highlights that not all bats carry the same level of viral risk, and conservation efforts can help mitigate this risk by protecting habitats. Understanding which bat groups harbor deadly viruses can aid in developing therapeutics.
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.
Research found acute and chronic viral infections increase risk of heart attacks and strokes, while long-term risks persist for HIV, hepatitis C, and herpes zoster. Vaccination measures, including flu shots, can reduce cardiovascular disease risk by 34%.
A multidisciplinary team has successfully mapped the entire genome of Phage G, a massive bacterial virus that can be grown in labs and studied directly. This achievement uses cutting-edge AI analysis to unlock new insights into phages and their applications in fighting disease.
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.
Researchers found a genetic variant that protects against winter vomiting disease, which was introduced to Europe through early farmers around 6,000 BCE. The FUT2 gene variant is linked to an increased risk of stomach ulcers and gallstones, but provides full protection against the virus.
The Global Pathogen Analysis Platform (GPAP) will enable low- and middle-income countries to conduct research and surveillance of infectious diseases independently. The platform aims to prevent disease outbreaks from developing into pandemics by detecting genetic sequences of potential pathogens.
A*STAR researchers discovered that mosquito saliva not only transmits the virus but also influences how the body's immune system responds to chikungunya infection. Sialokinin, a bioactive peptide in Aedes mosquito saliva, binds to neurokinin receptors on immune cells and suppresses monocyte activation.
At least eight bat species frequent pig farms in Northern Italy due to lack of physical barriers, increasing risk of coronavirus transmission. Researchers used a multi-disciplinary approach to study the interfaces between bats and pigs.
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.
A study of 200 classrooms found that HEPA purifiers did not significantly reduce respiratory viral exposures, suggesting additional interventions are needed. Maintaining classroom humidity between 40% and 60% may help lower viral exposures and improve comfort for students and teachers.
Researchers investigated whether cut flowers from Africa could spread livestock viruses through tiny biting midges. While no midges were found in packaging or transport areas, the study highlights potential risks and suggests measures to reduce them.
A new vaccine against elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) has been shown to be safe and trigger a strong immune response, with the potential to prevent deadly EEHV disease in young Asian elephants. The vaccine was tested in adult elephants at Chester Zoo and successfully activated key parts of the immune system.
A WSU study found that over half of Sudan Ebola survivors suffer from debilitating health problems two years post-infection. The virus can persist in semen and breast milk for up to six months after recovery, raising concerns about transmission risks.
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.
An AI model successfully automates lymph node segmentation and extranodal extension classification from pretreatment CT scans in HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma. Predicted extranodal extension is independently associated with worse oncologic outcomes, highlighting the potential for improved treatment planning.
A 17-year study found robust population-level effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, even among sexually experienced adolescent girls and young women who may not have completed the vaccination series. The study's results suggest that the vaccine offers sustained herd protection against HPV-related diseases.
A new Cochrane review finds RSV vaccines reduce the risk of infection in vulnerable groups, including older adults and infants. Vaccination also significantly reduces severe disease and hospitalization rates.