According to researchers, three anti-influenza compounds also appear to be able to inhibit Zika virus infection.
A new study reports researchers have discovered the mechanism which may cause learning disorders and memory problems as a result of the immune system's reaction to viral infections like HIV and flu.
Researchers at Aarhus University have identified a mutation in an immune system sensor that can result in chicken pox infection becoming fatal. According to the study, immune cells in those with extreme reaction to VZV neither detected the virus nor activated the immune system. The findings shed light on why some people are more susceptible to infections than others.
Chronic viral infections have a profound and lasting impact on the immune system in a similar way to aging. Chronic inflammation that occurs as a result of immune system dysregulation is often seen in diseases associated with aging.
Researchers report the cytomegalovirus may actually boost, not weaken, our immune systems.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) interact with biological fluids, creating a coat of proteins around the viral surface. This results in the viruses becoming more infectious and can contribute to the formation of amyloid plaques. In animal models, researchers found these viruses can bind to amyloid proteins, which aggregate into plaques that contribute to Alzheimer's disease. HSV-1 is able to accelerate the transformation of soluble amyloid proteins into amyloid plaques.
A new mathematical model shows the current COVID-19 pandemic could decline during the summer months, but return in the fall, with a major resurgence next winter. The model takes into account the seasonal variations of other closely related respiratory coronaviruses. Based on other coronavirus data, the model reveals infections were ten times more common between December and April in the northern hemisphere than between July and September. Researchers emphasize this model only attempts to examine possible scenarios, as we are currently unsure how warmer temperatures will affect SARS-CoV-2.
Examining wastewater is helping researchers track coronavirus infection trends. The waste reflects the viral load excreted by a population within a few hours and can help establish COVID-19 community hot spots. While researchers will not be able to calculate the exact number of community cases of coronavirus by examining wastewater, they can trace the increase of SARS-CoV-2 concentration and track the level of infection rate.
Researchers discover a way in which to prevent immune attacks on viruses used as therapeutic treatments.
Using computational methods, researchers created artificial proteins that triggered immune responses and produced infection specific antibodies. The findings indicate it will be possible to design vaccines that contain artificial antibodies, expediting the process of vaccine development.
Next generation genetic sequencing of brain tissue samples allowed researchers to identify potential brain infections.
A new study looks at the possible causal link between the herpes virus and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers report antiviral drugs significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia in patients with severe herpes infections.
