virus, immunology

A pathway involved in the adaptive immune system, a relative newcomer in the world of pathogen defense, may have a more ancient role in protecting cells from invading viruses.

Half a year after infection, people who had recovered from COVID-19 had robust antibodies, along with traces of the virus in their gut, which may drive long-lasting immunity.

A study finds that β-coronaviruses don’t use the normal secretory pathway, a possible explanation for some aspects of COVID-19 pathology.

Outcomes in COVID-19 patients may be better in those recently infected with endemic coronaviruses. 

A recent study elucidates some of the changes that occur in the body after inoculation with a tuberculosis vaccine.

Bat species use different strategies to dampen immune activation in response to viruses.

Recent data show that the drug bamlanivimab, also known as LY-CoV555, does not appear to help those with severe cases of COVID-19, but trials continue for milder cases.

Repeat COVID-19 cases could offer clues about people’s immunity to the novel coronavirus and how to vaccinate against it.

Some viruses, possibly even SARS-CoV-2, can sneak into the brain through the nose. Recent studies show that microglia are ready for them when they do.

A study of Nicaraguan children links prior Zika virus infection with aggravated dengue fever symptoms.

Increases in the levels of three cytokines are among the features linked to poor outcomes.

In a small study of patients hospitalized due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, researchers report distinct early differences between the antibody responses of patients who recovered and those who died, possibly paving the way for a tool to predict disease prognosis.

A handful of viruses have been associated with long-term, debilitating symptoms in a subset of those who become infected. Early signs hint that SARS-CoV-2 may do the same.

In record time, scientists have gone from harvesting antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 from survivors of coronavirus infections to testing the antibodies’ safety as a drug in humans.

By studying influenza in mice and cells, researchers identify a glucose metabolism pathway critical to the dysregulated immune response that kills many infectious disease patients, including those with COVID-19.

Under emergency protocols, doctors can request to use survivors’ plasma to treat some critically ill COVID-19 patients.  

There is no evidence backing the idea that SARS-CoV-2 originated from US servicemembers visiting Wuhan.

This previously unknown mechanism for spotting foreign genetic material in the cytoplasm launches antiviral defenses even when the well-known immune mediator STING is absent.

A newly identified group of viruses may help suppress eukaryotes’ immune response and promote tolerance of endosymbiotic bacteria.