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
Tag: Emerging Viruses
[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
Rapid detection of avian influenza virus based on CRISPR-Cas12a
AI SummaryAvian influenza is a viral disease that spreads among birds and other animals, originating from wild aquatic birds.Avian influenza (AI) is a disease caused by the avian influenza virus (AIV). These viruses spread naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and infect domestic poultry, other birds, and other animal species… Continue reading on BioMed Central
Bardoxolone methyl inhibits the infection of rabies virus via Nrf2 pathway activation in vitro
Rabies is a widespread, fatal, infectious disease. Several antivirals against rabies virus (RABV) infection have been reported, but no approved, RABV-specific antiviral drugs that inhibit RABV infection in the cl… Continue reading on BioMed Central
The effect of single mutations in Zika virus envelope on escape from broadly neutralizing antibodies
Dengue is spreading. Can new vaccines and antivirals halt its rise?
AI SummaryDengue virus cases are increasing globally, and there is a need for effective treatment and prevention methods. Scientists are working on developing vaccines, antiviral medications, and mosquito-control methods to combat the disease. Multi-layered efforts are required to control the spread of dengue. Particles of dengue virus (red; artificially coloured) infect a tissue specimen. Dengue… Continue reading Dengue is spreading. Can new vaccines and antivirals halt its rise?
Nutritional stress compromises mosquito fitness and antiviral immunity, while enhancing dengue virus infection susceptibility
Abstract Diet-induced nutritional stress can influence pathogen transmission potential in mosquitoes by impacting life history traits, infection susceptibility, and immunity. To investigate these effects, we manipulate mosquito diets at larval and adult stages, creating two nutritional levels (low and normal), and expose adults to dengue virus (DENV). We observe that egg number is reduced by… Continue reading Nutritional stress compromises mosquito fitness and antiviral immunity, while enhancing dengue virus infection susceptibility
Zika virus M protein latches and locks the E protein from transitioning to an immature state after prM cleavage
Abstract During flavivirus maturation, the structural proteins prM (pre-membrane) and E (envelope) undergo extensive low pH-mediated conformational changes, transitioning from spiky trimeric to smooth dimeric prM/E heterodimers which allow for furin cleavage of prM into pr and M and forms the irreversible mature conformation of smooth M/E heterodimers. The mechanisms of irreversible conformational changes to… Continue reading Zika virus M protein latches and locks the E protein from transitioning to an immature state after prM cleavage