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Virology

The study of viruses and viral diseases, including viral structure, replication, pathogenesis, evolution, antiviral drugs, viral vectors, and emerging viral threats to human and animal health

10 papers

Papers

Neuropilin-1 Mediates SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Astrocytes in Brain Organoids, Inducing Inflammation Leading to Dysfunction and Death of Neurons

This study, primarily using lab-grown mini-brains (organoids) and cultured human astrocytes, reveals that SARS-CoV-2 directly infects brain astrocytes using a novel receptor, Neuropilin-1 (NRP1), instead of the usual ACE2. This infection triggers severe inflammation in astrocytes, leading to a hostile brain environment that causes uninfected neighboring neurons to malfunction and die.

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Virology Oct 22, 03:06 PM

Chimeric infective particles expand species boundaries in phage inducible chromosomal island mobilization

This study reveals that capsid-forming phage-inducible chromosomal islands (cf-PICIs) can release tail-less capsids containing their DNA, which then "steal" tails from different phage species. This tail piracy creates chimeric particles capable of injecting cf-PICI DNA into new bacterial species, significantly broadening cf-PICIs host range and transfer frequency.

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Virology Sep 10, 10:30 AM

Cross-Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies with Broad Activity Against Human and Bat-Derived SARS-Related Coronaviruses

This study tested a panel of monoclonal antibodies in vitro and found several that potently neutralized a range of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron subvariants, as well as SARS-CoV-1 and bat coronaviruses like RaTG13 and WIV16. While the research used pseudotyped viruses and lacks in vivo data, the findings suggest potential for developing broadly effective antibody cocktails.

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Virology Aug 15, 06:50 PM

A portrait of the infected cell: how SARS-CoV-2 infection reshapes cellular processes and pathways

This review examines how SARS-CoV-2 alters cellular pathways, particularly those related to the ER, autophagy, and lipid metabolism. The virus manipulates these pathways to create a favorable environment for replication, including the formation of replication organelles and evasion of host defenses. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between the virus and host and its impact on disease pathogenesis.

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Virology Aug 12, 03:00 AM

Role of Oral Rabies Vaccines in the Elimination of Dog-Mediated Human Rabies Deaths

This review discusses the potential of oral rabies vaccines (ORV) for dogs as a crucial tool to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths, especially in resource-limited settings where traditional parenteral vaccination faces challenges. While acknowledging safety concerns and regulatory obstacles, the authors argue for the integration of ORV into vaccination campaigns, emphasizing their cost-effectiveness and ability to reach inaccessible dog populations.

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Virology Jul 14, 10:51 AM

Elimination of human rabies in Goa, India through an integrated One Health approach

This study reports the successful elimination of human rabies deaths in Goa, India, through a six-year One Health program (2013-2019). The program combined mass dog vaccination, rabies education, and enhanced surveillance, leading to a 92% reduction in canine rabies cases and zero human rabies deaths in 2018 and 2019. The intervention was deemed "very cost-effective" by WHO standards.

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Virology Jul 14, 10:51 AM