SARS-CoV-2 triggers the production of the antiviral protein IFN-γ, which is associated with fatigue, muscle ache and depression. New research shows that in Long COVID patients, IFN-y production persists until symptoms improve, highlighting a potential biomarker and a target for therapies. A University of Cambridge-led study identifies the protein interferon gamma (IFN-γ) as a potential … Read more
A controlled human study reveals that coffee’s complex chemical matrix may shape immune responses differently than pure caffeine, highlighting how everyday dietary exposures can subtly influence physiology. Study: Immune modulation in response to coffee intake: a pilot study. Image Credit: ZeiMomArt / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the European Journal of Nutrition, researchers evaluated … Read more
Background and aims The rate of functional cure (HBsAg loss) remains unsatisfactory following pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) treatment in chronic hepatitis B. To optimize PEG-IFN administration, this study aimed to evaluate virological markers to predict functional cure and/or hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) loss. Methods Relevant studies assessing virologic markers for predicting functional cure and HBeAg … Read more
Wistar rats (females), weighing 170–200 g, and aged 2.5–3.0 months, were used. The research was conducted in compliance with the basic requirements for the maintenance and handling of laboratory animals and the provisions of the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals Used for Research and Other Scientific Purposes (Strasbourg, 1986). All procedures involving experimental animals … Read more
An immune system defect makes affected individuals vulnerable to severe viral diseases such as influenza or COVID-19. It is caused by the body’s own antibodies, which inhibit important defense proteins known as type I interferons. UZH researchers have now generated “decoy molecules” that intercept these autoantibodies and restore the immune defense – the foundation for … Read more
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major global health burden, affecting millions worldwide and contributing significantly to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has revolutionized HCV treatment, achieving high rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) and reducing HCV-associated morbidity and mortality. Despite these advancements, the risk of HCC persists in … Read more
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a progressive spinal disease characterized by ectopic bone formation in the spine, leading to severe neurological symptoms due to spinal cord compression. This condition is more prevalent in Asian countries and has been associated with various genetic and hormonal factors. Recent insights reveal the potential role of … Read more
New findings reveal how contemporary H5N1 avian flu viruses adapt to suppress human immune responses, leading to milder illness but underscoring the importance of vigilant monitoring for future risks. Dispatch: Comparison of Contemporary and Historic Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Replication in Human Lung Organoids. Image Credit: Credit: NIAID and CDC In a recent study … Read more