Zika virus remodelled ER membranes contain proviral factors involved in redox and methylation pathways

AI SummaryResearchers have identified host cell factors that are involved in the Zika virus life cycle and are enriched in the virus-infected ER membranes. These factors play roles in redox and methylation pathways, and their accumulation at the ER membranes contributes to the virus’s replication and assembly. This study provides insights into potential targets for… Continue reading Zika virus remodelled ER membranes contain proviral factors involved in redox and methylation pathways

Interactions between DC-SIGN and the envelope protein from Dengue and Zika viruses: a structural perspective based on molecular dynamics and MM/GBSA analyses

AI SummaryZika virus and dengue virus have many similarities and share the same insect vector.Zika virus (ZIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) share a lot of similarities being both phylogenetically closely related, share the same insect vector passage for reaching the host, affinity for the same carbohydrate… Continue reading on BioMed Central

TWiV 1067: Heads or tails, you win a phage lunch

On this all-bacteriophage episode, TWiV explains the ‘vampire phage’, and and how mammalian cells internalize phage particles and utilize them to enhance cell growth and survival. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Alan Dove, Rich Condit, and Jolene Ramsey Click arrow to playDownload TWiV 1067 (67 MB .mp3, 93 min) Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiV! Links… Continue reading TWiV 1067: Heads or tails, you win a phage lunch

Molecular epidemiology, clinical analysis, and genetic characterization of Zika virus infections in Thailand (2020–2023)

Abstract To investigate the clinical and molecular characteristics and evolution of the Zika virus (ZIKV) in Thailand from March 2020 to March 2023. In all, 751 serum samples from hospitalized patients in Bangkok and the surrounding areas were screened for ZIKV using real-time RT-PCR. Demographic data and clinical variables were evaluated. Phylogenetic and molecular clock… Continue reading Molecular epidemiology, clinical analysis, and genetic characterization of Zika virus infections in Thailand (2020–2023)

Severe dengue progression beyond enhancement

The immune response to dengue virus infection is a well-coordinated balancing act. New research shows that an imbalanced response — driven partially by the productive infection of antigen-presenting cells — is associated with progression to severe disease. More than half of the global population is at risk of infection with any of the four co-circulating… Continue reading Severe dengue progression beyond enhancement

[Newsdesk] Infectious diseases surveillance update

On Aug 15, 2023, a dengue outbreak was declared by the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention in Abéché health district in Ouaddaï province, the first dengue outbreak reported in Chad. As of Oct 1, 1342 suspected cases, including 41 confirmed cases, were reported across eight health districts in four provinces (N’Djamena, Ouaddaï, Sila, and… Continue reading [Newsdesk] Infectious diseases surveillance update

Determination of seroprevalence and kinetics of humoral response using mpox virus A29 protein

AbstractBackground Mpox virus (MPXV), previously known as monkeypox virus, has spread globally in 2022. An accurate and convenient antibody test is essential for the determination of seroprevalence and for studying immune response after natural infection or vaccination. Most seroprevalence or vaccine studies used either live MPXV (or vaccinia virus [VACV]) or inactivated MPXV (or VACV) culture… Continue reading Determination of seroprevalence and kinetics of humoral response using mpox virus A29 protein

Zika virus prM protein contains cholesterol binding motifs required for virus entry and assembly

AI SummaryCholesterol is closely associated with the ZIKV structural protein prM and plays a role in viral entry and assembly. Membrane-resident M facilitates cholesterol-supported lipid exchange during endosomal entry and contributes to virion assembly.Abstract For successful infection of host cells and virion production, enveloped viruses, including Zika virus (ZIKV), extensively rely on cellular lipids. However,… Continue reading Zika virus prM protein contains cholesterol binding motifs required for virus entry and assembly