ScienceDaily: Virus News

Novel approach for influenza vaccination shows promise in early animal testing

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:03:03 EDT

A new approach for immunizing against influenza elicited a more potent immune response and broader protection than the currently licensed seasonal influenza vaccines when tested in mice and ferrets. The new vaccine concept represents an important step forward in the quest to develop a universal influenza vaccine -- one that would protect against most or all influenza strains without the need for an annual vaccination.

Poliovirus vaccine trial shows early promise for recurrent glioblastoma

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:21:21 EDT

An attack on glioblastoma brain tumor cells that uses a modified poliovirus is showing encouraging results in an early study to establish the proper dose level.

Low population immunity to new bird flu virus H7N9 in humans

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:15:15 EDT

The level of immunity to the recently circulating H7N9 influenza virus in an urban and rural population in Vietnam is very low, according to the first population level study to examine human immunity to the virus, which was previously only found in birds. The study has implications for planning the public health response to this pandemic threat.

Predicting infectious influenza

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:49:49 EDT

A new computer model could help scientists predict when a particular strain of avian influenza might become infectious from bird to human, according to a new report.

Herpes infections: Natural Killer cells activate hematopoiesis

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:52:52 EDT

Infections can trigger hematopoiesis at sites outside the bone marrow – in the liver, the spleen or the skin. Researchers now show that a specific type of immune cell facilitates such “extra medullary” formation of blood cells.

H1N1 discovered in marine mammals

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:44:44 EDT

Scientists detected the H1N1 (2009) virus in free-ranging northern elephant seals off the central California coast a year after the human pandemic began.

Level of dengue virus needed for transmission defined

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:28:28 EDT

Researchers have identified the dose of dengue virus in human blood that is required to infect mosquitoes when they bite. Mosquitoes are essential for transmitting the virus between people so the findings have important implications for understanding how to slow the spread of the disease.

Global warming trends contribute to spread of West Nile virus to new regions in Europe

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:52:52 EDT

Global warming trends have a significant influence on the spread of West Nile Virus to new regions in Europe and neighboring countries, where the disease wasn’t present before, according to a new study. The study found that rising temperatures have a more considerable contribution than humidity, to the spread of the disease, while the effect of rain was inconclusive.

Bird flu in live poultry markets are the source of viruses causing human infections

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:09:09 EDT

On 31 March 2013, the Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission announced human cases of novel H7N9 influenza virus infections. Scientists have now investigated the origins of this novel H7N9 influenza virus.

Potential flu pandemic lurks: Influenza viruses circulating in pigs, birds could pose risk to humans

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:02:02 EDT

In the summer of 1968, a new strain of influenza appeared in Hong Kong. This strain, known as H3N2, spread around the globe and eventually killed an estimated 1 million people. A new study reveals that there are many strains of H3N2 circulating in birds and pigs that are genetically similar to the 1968 strain and have the potential to generate a pandemic if they leap to humans. The researchers also found that current flu vaccines might not offer protection against these strains.

Cocaine vaccine passes key testing hurdle

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:01:01 EDT

Researchers have successfully tested their novel anti-cocaine vaccine in primates, bringing them closer to launching human clinical trials.

New test for H7N9 bird flu in China may help slow outbreak, prevent pandemic

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:43:43 EDT

Breaking research demonstrates that a recently developed diagnostic test can detect the new strain of influenza (H7N9) currently causing an outbreak in China.

Mosquito survey identifies reservoir of disease

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:55:55 EDT

A large scale, five year study of mosquitoes from different ecological regions in Kenya, including savannah grassland, semi-arid Acacia thorn bushes, and mangrove swamps, found a reservoir of viruses carried by mosquitoes (arboviruses) that are responsible for human and animal diseases. This research highlights the need for continued surveillance in order to monitor the risk of disease outbreaks.

New tool for identifying powerful HIV antibodies

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:20:20 EDT

Scientists have developed a new tool to identify broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of preventing infection by the majority of HIV strains found around the globe, an advance that could help speed HIV vaccine research.

Scientists find key to gene-silencing activity

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:32:32 EDT

Scientists have found how to boost or inhibit a gene-silencing mechanism that normally serves as a major controller of cells’ activities. The discovery could lead to a powerful new class of drugs against viral infections, cancers and other diseases.

Immune cells that suppress genital herpes infections identified

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:17:17 EDT

Scientists have identified a class of immune cells that reside long-term in the genital skin and mucosa and are believed to be responsible for suppressing recurring outbreaks of genital herpes. These immune cells also play a role in suppressing symptoms of genital herpes, which is why most sufferers of the disease are asymptomatic when viral reactivations occur. The discovery of this subtype of immune cells, called CD8αα+ T cells, opens a new avenue of research to develop a vaccine to prevent and treat herpes simplex virus type 2, or HSV-2. Identifying these T cells’ specific molecular targets, called epitopes, is the next step in developing a vaccine.

Mathematical model measures hidden HIV

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:30:30 EDT

A new mathematical modeling technique reveals HIV virus may be replicating in body even when undetectable in the blood.

New insights into Ebola infection pave the way for much-needed therapies

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:45:45 EDT

The Ebola virus is among the deadliest viruses on the planet, killing up to 90 percent of those infected. A new study reveals how the most abundant protein making up the Ebola virus -- viral protein 40 -- allows the virus to leave host cells and spread infection to other cells throughout the human body. The findings could lay the foundation for the development of new drugs and strategies for fighting Ebola infection.

No link found between viral infection and rapidly developing Type 1 diabetes in young children

Mon, 06 May 2013 19:11:11 EDT

Some of the earliest results from the Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study - a major Europe-USA consortium exploring the causes of Type 1 diabetes in children -- has found no evidence for viral infection as a cause of the rapid-onset form of the condition.

Competing antibodies may have limited the protection achieved in HIV vaccine trial in Thailand

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:13:13 EDT

Continuing analysis of an HIV vaccine trial undertaken in Thailand is yielding additional information about how immune responses were triggered and why the vaccine did not protect more people.

Ebola's secret weapon revealed

Thu, 02 May 2013 19:22:22 EDT

Researchers have discovered the mechanism behind one of the Ebola virus' most dangerous attributes: its ability to disarm the adaptive immune system.

Tick-borne lone star virus identified through new super-fast gene sequencing

Thu, 02 May 2013 18:52:52 EDT

The tick-borne Lone Star virus has been conclusively identified as part of a family of other tick-borne viruses called bunyaviruses, which often cause fever, respiratory problems and bleeding, according to new research.

Adult cells transformed into early-stage nerve cells, bypassing the pluripotent stem cell stage

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:17:17 EDT

Scientists have converted skin cells from people and monkeys into a cell that can form a wide variety of nervous-system cells — without passing through the do-it-all stage called the induced pluripotent stem cell, or iPSC.

Focus on STD, not cancer prevention, to promote HPV vaccine use

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:04:04 EDT

The HPV vaccine can prevent both cervical cancer and a nasty sexually transmitted disease in women. But emphasizing the STD prevention will persuade more young women to get the vaccine.

Potential novel treatment for influenza discovered: Scientists pursue new therapies as deadly H7N9 flu spreads in China

Wed, 01 May 2013 15:44:44 EDT

An experimental drug has shown promise in treating influenza, preventing lung injury and death from the virus in preclinical studies, according to new research. The scientists found that a drug called Eritoran can protect mice from death after they have been infected with a lethal dose of influenza virus.

Scientists weaken HIV infection in immune cells using synthetic agents

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:20:20 EDT

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is notorious for hiding within certain types of cells, where it reproduces at a slowed rate and eventually gives rise to chronic inflammation, despite drug therapy. But researchers recently discovered that synthetic anti-inflammatory substances distantly related to the active ingredient of marijuana may be able to take the punch out of HIV while inside one of its major hideouts -- immune cells called macrophages.

Electron-beam pasteurization of raw oysters may reduce viral food poisoning

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:16:16 EDT

Researchers have studied how electron-beam pasteurization of raw oysters may reduce the possibility of food poisoning through virus.

Mast cells give clues in diagnosis, treatment of dengue

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:15:15 EDT

A protein produced by mast cells in the immune system may predict which people infected with dengue virus will develop life-threatening complications, according to researchers.

Cell response to new coronavirus unveils possible paths to treatments

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:16:16 EDT

Scientists have used lab-grown human lung cells to study the cells' response to infection by a novel human coronavirus (called nCoV) and compiled information about which genes are significantly disrupted in early and late stages of infection. The information about host response to nCoV allowed the researchers to predict drugs that might be used to inhibit either the virus itself or the deleterious responses that host cells make in reaction to infection.

Synthetic derivatives of THC may weaken HIV-1 infection to enhance antiviral therapies

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:15:15 EDT

A new research report shows that compounds that stimulate the cannabinoid type 2 receptor in white blood cells, specifically macrophages, appear to weaken HIV-1 infection.

Tactics of new Middle East virus suggest treating by altering lung cells' response to infection

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:25:25 EDT

The deadly Human Coronavirus-Erasmus Medical Center, which first appeared April 2012 in the Middle East, is revealing its stronghold tactics. The virus dysregulates 207 lung cell genes to turn RNA levels up and down. The dysregulation makes it harder for cells to recognize the virus and also creates an environment for the virus to multiply. Currently available drugs are predicted to treat the infection by altering the infected cells' response, rather than killing the virus directly.

Warning system predicts outbreaks of dengue fever

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:50:50 EDT

With the help of a warning system which measures the risk of dengue incidence using precipitation and air temperature, it is possible to forecast the outbreak of dengue fever up to 16 weeks in advance.

Attention baby boomers: Get screened for hepatitis C

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:11:11 EDT

People born during 1945 through 1965 are five times more likely than other adults to be infected with hepatitis C. If you were born during these years, talk to your doctor about getting tested.

New drug stimulates immune system to kill infected cells in animal model of hepatitis B infection

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:25:25 EDT

A novel drug developed and tested in an animal model suppresses hepatitis B virus infection by stimulating the immune system and inducing loss of infected cells.

Flu and bacteria: Better prognosis for this potentially fatal combination

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:54:54 EDT

Scientists have provided insights into how much harm bacteria can cause to the lung of people having the flu. The results could prompt the development of alternative treatments for flu-related bacterial infections, to improve patient outcome and prevent permanent lung damage.

How Parkinson's disease protein acts like a virus

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:37:37 EDT

A protein known to be a key player in the development of Parkinson’s disease is able to enter and harm cells in the same way that viruses do, according to a new study.

Clues to making vaccine for infant respiratory illness

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:24:24 EDT

An atomic-level snapshot of a respiratory syncytial virus protein bound to a human antibody represents a leap toward developing a vaccine for a common -- and sometimes very serious -- childhood disease.

Novel therapeutic approaches may cure chronic HBV infection

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:16:16 EDT

Exciting new data from early in vitro and in vivo studies targeting covalently closed circular DNA, which may form the basis of a cure for chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Biogeographic barrier that protects Australia from avian flu does not stop Nipah virus

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:51:51 EDT

An invisible barrier separates land animals in Australia from those in south-east Asia may also restrict the spillover of animal-borne diseases like avian flu, but researchers have found that fruit bats on either side of this line can carry Nipah virus, a pathogen that causes severe human disease.

Targeted screening for hepatitis C is cost-effective

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:23:23 EDT

Researchers have found that targeted screening for populations with a higher estimated prevalence for hepatitis C may be cost-effective.

Drug therapy offers high cure rate for 2 hepatitis C subtypes

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:31:31 EDT

A new drug is offering dramatic cure rates for hepatitis C patients with two subtypes of the infection -- genotype 2 and 3, say a team of scientists. The drug, called sofosbuvir, offers more effective treatment for most patients studied in a Phase 3 clinical trial who had no other treatment options, report researchers.

Virus kills melanoma in animal model, spares normal cells

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:57:57 EDT

Researchers have demonstrated that vesicular stomatitis virus is highly competent at finding, infecting, and killing human melanoma cells, both in vitro and in animal models, while having little propensity to infect non-cancerous cells.

Highly active antiretroviral therapies may be cardioprotective in HIV-infected children, teens

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:55:55 EDT

Long-term use of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) does not appear to be associated with impaired heart function in children and adolescents in a study that sought to determine the cardiac effects of prolonged exposure to HAART on children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), according to a new report.

Combating H7N9: Using Lessons Learned from recent studies on H5N1

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:10:10 EDT

Researchers have developed a series of messages for policy makers that are highly relevant to the current outbreak.

From blank round to a potently active substance?

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:10:10 EDT

A long-forgotten candidate for antiviral therapy is undergoing a renaissance: Since the 1970s, the small molecule CMA has been considered a potent agent against viral infections, yet it was never approved for clinical use. Scientists have now deciphered how the molecule can actually stimulate the immune system to combat viruses.

New understanding of asthma development: Transmission of respiratory viruses in utero

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:40:40 EDT

The most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children, respiratory syncytial virus, can be transferred during pregnancy to an unborn baby, according to new research.

Treatment for novel coronavirus shows promise in early lab tests

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:01:01 EDT

Scientists studying an emerging coronavirus have found that a combination of two licensed antiviral drugs, ribavirin and interferon-alpha 2b, can stop the virus from replicating in laboratory-grown cells. These results suggest that the drug combination could be used to treat patients infected with the new coronavirus, but more research is needed to confirm this preliminary finding.

Why does smallpox vaccine shield some, not others? It's in the genes

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:45:45 EDT

How well people are protected by the smallpox vaccine depends on more than the quality of the vaccination: individual genes can alter their response, research shows.

'Chink in the armor' of Schmallenberg virus identified

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:36:36 EDT

A key building block in the Schmallenberg virus could be targeted by anti-viral drugs, according to a new study.

Positive results for Phase I clinical trial for an H5N1 vaccine

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:49:49 EDT

Medical researchers reported positive interim results from a Phase I clinical trial for an H5N1 Avian Influenza VLP vaccine candidate. The H5N1 vaccine was found to be safe and well-tolerated and induced a solid immune response exceeding the three Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use immunogenicity criteria for licensure of influenza vaccines.

Discovery may help prevent HIV: Insights into eliminating reservoirs of HIV-1

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:46:46 EDT

Researchers have discovered how the protein that blocks HIV-1 from multiplying in white blood cells is regulated. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS, and the discovery could lead to novel approaches for addressing HIV-1 “in hiding” – namely eliminating reservoirs of HIV-1 that persist in patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy.

Improved molecular tools streamline influenza testing and management

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:17:17 EDT

Over 40,000 people die each year in the United States from influenza-related diseases. In patients whose immune systems are compromised, antiviral therapy may be life-saving, but it needs to be initiated quickly. It is therefore crucial to diagnose and type the influenza rapidly. Scientists in the Netherlands have designed and evaluated a set of molecular assays that they say are a sensitive and good alternative for conventional diagnostic methods and can produce results in one day without the need for additional equipment.

Scientists reveal natural process that blocks viruses

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:07:07 EDT

The human body has the ability to ward off viruses by activating a naturally occurring protein at the cellular level, setting off a chain reaction that disrupts the levels of cholesterol required in cell membranes to enable viruses to enter cells. The findings hold promise for the development of therapies to fight a variety of viral infections.

Dramatic changes in bacteria following male circumcision

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:23:23 EDT

Male circumcision reduces the abundance of bacteria living on the penis and might help explain why circumcision offers men some protection against HIV, according to a new study.

Surprising finding could alter the face of dengue vaccine development

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:44:44 EDT

As efforts to create a strong and effective vaccine for the dreaded dengue virus continue to hit snags, a new study offers surprising evidence that suggests the need for a revamped approach to dengue vaccine design. The finding runs counter to current scientific understanding of the key cells that need to be induced to develop a successful dengue vaccine.

Could new flu spark global flu pandemic? New bird flu strain seen adapting to mammals, humans

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:24:24 EDT

A genetic analysis of the avian flu virus responsible for at least nine human deaths in China portrays a virus evolving to adapt to human cells, raising concern about its potential to spark a new global flu pandemic.

Discovery points to new approach to fight dengue virus

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:49:49 EDT

Researchers have discovered that rising temperature induces key changes in the dengue virus when it enters its human host, and the findings represent a new approach for designing vaccines against the aggressive mosquito-borne pathogen.

Scientists find interferon, one of the body's own proteins, induces persistent viral infection

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:28:28 EDT

Scientists have made a counterintuitive finding that may lead to new ways to clear persistent infection that is the hallmark of such diseases as AIDS, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Blocking immune response protein helps body clear chronic infection; Potential therapy for HIV, other viral infections?

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:27:27 EDT

Scientists have shown that temporarily blocking a protein critical to immune response actually helps the body clear itself of chronic infection. The finding suggests new approaches to treating HIV and other persistent viral infections.

Predicting the next eye pathogen: Analysis of a novel adenovirus

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:19:19 EDT

Researchers used a combined genomic, bioinformatics and biological analysis to identify a unique deletion in a key protein of the viral capsid and further suggested the potential of the virus to cause severe ocular infection. The results point toward a possible approach for predicting pathogenicity for newly identified and recently emergent human pathogens.