Articles tagged with Viruses
A synthetic glycosystem mimics natural sugars on human cells, binding to virus's spike protein and preventing infection. The molecule was found to be effective at low doses and worked against multiple SARS-CoV-2 strains.
Researchers have developed a research pipeline to create 'universal vaccines' that can address broad viral families and mutated variants. The vaccine design aims to neutralize emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and other viruses with pandemic potential.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown virus in Pacific oysters linked to annual mass die-offs, highlighting the importance of disease prevention measures. The discovery also underscores the need for further research into the causes of mortality in oyster populations.
Researchers from Kumamoto University identified a genetic 'silencer' element that keeps the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) in a dormant state, evading immune detection. This discovery offers hope for new therapeutic approaches to treat HTLV-1 and potentially even HIV.
Researchers discovered that a type of HPV commonly found on the skin can directly cause a form of skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma when immune cells malfunction. The study's findings suggest that other people with defective T-cell responses may also be susceptible to cancer caused directly by beta-HPV.
A UK study monitored antimicrobial resistance and influenza viruses in water bodies frequented by wild birds, finding widespread AMR genes in 92% of samples. Influenza virus was detected in just 3.4% of samples, highlighting the need for more sensitive detection methods.
Beta-coronaviruses' replication and assembly process has been investigated extensively. Researchers found that membrane protein topology plays a crucial role in viral assembly, shedding light on its biogenesis. Targeting this conserved pathway could lead to broad-spectrum antiviral strategies.
Researchers have identified treatments to suppress transmission of HTLV-1 virus in mice using existing HIV drugs. The study also discovered a new drug target and selective killing method for infected cells, offering promising prospects for treatment and prevention.
A new Cornell University research study reveals that juvenile and subadult bats are the most likely to spread new coronaviruses to other species. Young bats shed viruses more easily when weaned, leading to a high-risk scenario for emerging novel viruses.
A new UNLV-led study uses AI to detect emerging virus variants in wastewater samples, outperforming existing methods. The algorithm can identify unique signatures for different virus variants with as few as two to five samples, significantly earlier than current methods.
Scientists have identified compounds that can help cells fend off viral infection by activating the integrated stress response pathway. These compounds show promise as broad-spectrum antivirals against multiple types of viruses and have been tested in human cells and a mouse model with positive results.
A Danish study finds that HPV vaccination has reduced prevalence of high-risk HPV types among vaccinated women, suggesting population immunity. However, non-vaccine types remain common and new infections occur more frequently in vaccinated women than unvaccinated women.
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.
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is a rare but deadly disease in the US, caused by a mosquito bite. People at risk include those living near swamps or marshes and outdoor workers, such as farmers and campers.
Researchers at University of Queensland have discovered a nanobody to combat two highly lethal viruses with no approved vaccine or cure. The DS90 nanobody can access hard-to-reach areas of the virus to block infection.
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 found that immunocompromised animals respond better to phage therapy due to depleted alveolar macrophages, which initially seemed to hinder its efficacy. The study highlights the importance of the immune system in phage therapy and may inform personalized treatment strategies.
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 uncover additional small open-reading frames in the negative RNA of tobamoviruses, which encode proteins with distinct subcellular localizations and play critical roles in viral infection. These findings expand our understanding of tobamovirus protein synthesis and reveal peroxisomes as novel virulence targets.
Researchers discovered a previously unappreciated mechanism by which CMV infects cells lining blood vessels and contributes to vascular disease. The finding highlights a new potential avenue for developing antiviral drugs and suggests other herpes viruses could use similar molecular structures to evade immune detection.
Researchers at Tulane University developed a handheld TB test inspired by the bombardier beetle's natural defense mechanism. The ASTRA device requires only a drop of blood and delivers same-day diagnoses without need for laboratory or trained staff, outperforming traditional tests in detection of TB with HIV co-infection.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is targeting hard-to-treat cancers and boosting HPV vaccination rates with a $3.4 million funding from CPRIT. The institution will expand its core facilities laboratories to increase researchers' ability to identify therapeutic targets and develop new cancer technologies.
The FDA has recommended pausing the use of a live attenuated chikungunya virus vaccine over concerns about safety. The vaccine was previously approved for emergency use in areas with outbreaks.
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.
Researchers found that an inexpensive HIV drug can improve vision in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) more effectively and at a lower cost than existing treatments. The drug, lamivudine, is taken orally and may represent a game-changing option for millions of patients worldwide.
A recent study found that Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) can detect pathogens in 86% of cases, outperforming conventional microbiological tests which identified pathogens in only 67% of cases. mNGS guides treatment decisions and improves patient outcomes by detecting rare/atypical pathogens.
Infections from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children requiring primary care led to significant societal economic costs. The study found that the main sources of costs were repeated visits to primary care physicians and parents missing work to care for their sick children, with higher costs for infants under 1 year old.
A new method called MagIC cryo-EM dramatically improves imaging capabilities by reducing sample loss, enabling the visualization of rare proteins and viruses. The technology also addresses the challenge of handling small proteins, allowing for more accurate structural analysis.
Scientists from the University of Tokyo have created a filter that can capture nanoparticles such as viruses while maintaining air flow, resulting in improved user comfort. The filter uses nanosheets with porphyrin molecules and is capable of achieving a particle filtration efficiency of 96%, exceeding N95 mask requirements.
The international conference will focus on translating phage research into clinical reality, exploring key sessions and major speakers. Companies from various sectors are attending the event, highlighting the growing interest in phage therapy.
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 published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity reveals that older adults in sub-Saharan Africa are at risk of HIV infection, particularly those who have experienced social stigma and lack access to education. Interventions such as repeated testing, PrEP, and awareness campaigns can help reduce infections among the elderly.
Researchers from The University of Osaka developed a new technique using mass photometry to detect and quantify components of rAAV particles. This method can distinguish between full and empty particles, streamlining gene therapy manufacturing and improving clinical effectiveness.
Viruses that infect and kill toxic algal blooms can cause the release of high levels of toxin microcystin-LR into water, posing a significant risk to human health and ecosystems. The finding highlights the need for better understanding of these interactions to inform forecasting and mitigation strategies for harmful algal blooms.
The latest focus issue of Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions explores the molecular, cellular, and genomic details of cereal crop diseases, highlighting key research on plant-pathogen interactions. Groundbreaking work has advanced the field, offering new insights into disease resistance and management strategies.
A novel vaccine platform uses genetically fused antigen to albumin, which is actively transported across the mucosal barrier by FcRn receptor. This results in protective systemic and mucosal antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A.
Scientists discovered that certain bacteria can trigger their own cell death as a defense mechanism against viruses, utilizing components of the bacterial immune system. This phenomenon could be exploited to develop novel antimicrobial treatments and fight drug-resistant infections.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have discovered a crucial pathway to preserve thymic function as we age. The study found that increasing fibroblast growth factor FGF21 can help maintain thymus size and function, allowing for a broader range of T-cells to develop.
Researchers discovered that herpesvirus protein kinases mimic human cyclin-dependent kinases, regulating viral infection and latency. Phosphorylation of the viral enzyme contributes to its survival and persistence, while phosphorylation downregulates its activity, allowing for balance between host survival and viral persistence.
Researchers found that high-grade pre-cancer lesions triggered stronger immune responses and showed higher levels of immune-related markers PD-L1 and FOXP3. These findings suggest that HPV may begin avoiding the immune system early in infection, allowing infected cells to grow and potentially leading to cancer.
The VAST project seeks to understand the normal human virome, the vast ecosystem of viruses living in and on humans. By analyzing tens of thousands of samples from diverse populations, researchers aim to identify how a healthy virome shifts with disease or environmental factors.
Researchers trained a machine learning algorithm to identify over 30 viable treatments for diseases caused by bat-borne Nipah and Hendra henipaviruses. The study used Rhodium software to virtually screen compounds based on the protein structure of the measles virus.
A new machine learning model accurately predicts the fitness of AAV capsids based on their amino acid sequence, enabling more efficient and cost-effective gene therapies. The model's robustness and generalizability have been demonstrated through tests on independent datasets, offering a promising tool for capsid engineering.
Researchers at University of Jyväskylä have isolated a new giant virus, Jyvaskylavirus, for the first time in Finland. The discovery reveals that giant viruses are more common in northern regions than previously thought, with implications for understanding microbial populations and ecosystems.
Researchers have identified a combination of drugs that prevents enteroviruses from replicating, which could lead to an effective treatment for global health problem. The combination includes pleconaril, AG7404, and mindeudesivir, which shows great potential for finding broad-spectrum treatment methods against enteroviruses.
Researchers found Oropouche virus is massively under-diagnosed in Latin America, with over 1 in 10 people experiencing a prior infection. Climatic conditions, including rain and temperature, significantly influence the virus's spread, posing risks to unborn babies.
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.
Researchers have made significant discoveries about the role of GP38 in viral infections and pathogenesis, highlighting its potential as a target for vaccines and medical countermeasures. Non-neutralizing GP38-specific antibodies have shown protective efficacy against lethal challenge, reducing circulating GP38 and vascular leak.
Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä have unveiled an innovative, label-free ratiometric fluorosensor for selective and sensitive detection of enteroviral RNA. The sensor outperforms traditional methods in terms of sensitivity and selectivity.
Researchers at the University of Surrey warn that mpox's sustained human-to-human transmission poses a significant risk to global health. The virus can cause a painful rash, fever, and swollen glands, and has the potential to spread among children, who are at greater risk of serious illness.
The model analyzes host characteristics and virus genetics to predict potential reservoirs for orthopoxviruses, including smallpox and mpox. It identified Southeast Asia, equatorial Africa, and the Amazon as hotspots, overlapping with areas of low vaccination rates.
A new rapid diagnostic test can accurately identify pregnant women with high levels of the hepatitis B virus, allowing for early detection and intervention. This breakthrough test could have a significant impact on hepatitis B management in low- and middle-income countries, reducing the spread of the infection.
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.
A new study found that recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) capsids contain single-stranded DNA impurities derived from plasmid and host cell DNA. The researchers suggest that the adverse effects of these impurities may differ from those of double-stranded DNA, highlighting the need for further evaluation.
A new USF study identifies several viruses associated with Karenia brevis, the single-celled organism causing red tide. The finding marks an initial step toward exploring viruses as biocontrol agents for red tide blooms.
A recent study identifies 11 natural compounds that can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, including caffeine, which exhibits high binding stability and excellent solubility. The discovery highlights the potential of natural products in combating COVID-19 and demonstrates the versatility of widely known compounds like caffeine.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new avenue to combat the Cucumber mosaic virus by directing the plant's natural defences. The RNA-based active agents have shown high efficacy in laboratory experiments, protecting 80-100% of treated plants from infection.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that Zika virus builds tiny tunnels called tunneling nanotubes to transport material needed to infect nearby cells, including in placental cells. This allows the virus to cross the placental barrier without raising alarm in the immune system.
A Phase 1 clinical trial is enrolling up to 55 healthy adults to test the safety and immunogenicity of a candidate Lassa vaccine. The trial aims to prevent Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease that can cause permanent hearing loss.