Articles tagged with Viruses
Researchers are collecting faeces from exotic animals at Dudley Zoo and West Midlands Safari Park to search for phages that can fight bacterial infections. The goal is to create a bio-bank of these phages to develop alternative treatments for life-threatening infections.
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.
A team of researchers at Mount Sinai discovered three powerful monoclonal antibodies that target the viral protein A35 and block viral spread in laboratory tests. These antibodies also protected rodents from severe disease and fully prevented death, suggesting they could be promising drug candidates for mpox treatment.
Researchers at Penn State have identified certain characteristics that can help predict whether a virus will persist in a new population. Infection prevalence and viral shedding were found to be significant predictors of long-term viral persistence. The study used a worm model system to examine disease transmission and emergence at a p...
A new Zika virus vaccine developed by Brazilian researchers has been shown to be safe and effective in tests with mice, inducing an immune response and protecting against brain and testicular damage. The vaccine uses a technology known as 'virus-like particles' (VLPs) without genetic material from the pathogen.
Researchers discovered a virus living inside Aspergillus fumigatus that significantly boosts the fungus's survival and virulence in mammals. Removing the virus weakened the fungus, while antiviral treatments improved survival outcomes.
Scientists have developed a monoclonal antibody to combat life-threatening inflammatory diseases like sepsis and ARDS. The antibody shows promise in blocking the immune system's hyperactive response and restoring healthy function without unwanted side effects.
A recent study reveals woefully low awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV), the HPV vaccine, and their association with cancer in the Midwestern and Southern US states. These states have seen a rise in HPV-associated cancers, making suboptimal HPV vaccination rates even more alarming.
A new study highlights how neighborhood conditions shape the seasonal surge of virus-triggered asthma emergencies among children. Children living in under-resourced communities face sharply higher rates of asthma flare-ups tied to viral infections during the first weeks of school.
Researchers identified key mutations in the H5N1 genome that enhance its human adaptive potential. The 2.3.4.4b clade has infected multiple mammalian species and is adapting to humans, posing a concern for increased mortality risk. Surveillance measures are recommended to counter this growing risk.
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 found that the caterpillars' cycles interact with natural controls like viral disease, and they're highly adapted to their environment. Outbreaks can be predicted and damage controlled, but the exact timing is linked to specific factors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.