Key To Strengthening Immune Response To Chronic Infection Found Aug 8, 2009
7, 2009) A team of researchers from The Wistar Institute has identified a protein that could serve as a target for reprogramming immune system cells exhausted by exposure to chronic viral infection into more effective "soldiers" against certain viruses like HIV, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B, as well as some cancers, such as melanoma. Effective response by key immune cells in the body, called T cells, is crucial for control of many widespread chronic viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis B... (Science Daily)
Sticky protein helps reinforce fragile muscle membranes Jul 24, 2009
The team showed that a virus called LCMV (Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus), which binds tightly to alpha dystroglycan, also disrupts the basal lamina muscle membrane interaction and compromises the integrity of the muscle membranes. LCMV is a member of a group of viruses that can cause hemorrhagic diseases. (EurekAlert!)
Transplant drug boosts immunity Jun 23, 2009
The study showed that when mice infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) were treated with rapamycin, more CD8 T survived. Rapamycin's effects are "surprising and unexpected," said Araki. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Transplant drug stimulates immune memory Jun 22, 2009
Araki had been examining rapamycin's effects in mice infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). "Usually during the response to this virus, 90 percent of the CD8 T cells produced to fight an infection die after a few weeks. The memory cells are generated from the 10 percent that survive," he explains. (EurekAlert!)
New arenavirus discovered as cause of hemorrhagic fever outbreak in South Africa and Zambia Jun 3, 2009
The previously unknown arenavirus, which was identified using genetic extracts of blood and liver from the victims and through unbiased high-throughput sequencing, is distantly related to Lassa virus and Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Characterization of the novel virus confirms the utility of unbiased high-throughput sequencing for pathogen discovery and provides a blueprint for public health efforts to quickly curb unidentified emerging viral disease outbreaks in the future. (EurekAlert!)
How Viral Infection Can Protect From Type 1 Diabetes May 29, 2009
The team, led by Christophe Filippi and Matthias von Herrath, observed that infection with either Coxsackie virus B3 or lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus delayed the onset and reduced the incidence of disease in the mouse model of type 1 diabetes. Further analysis revealed a synergistic underlying protective mechanism: levels of the protein PD-L1 were transiently upregulated on immune cells known as lymphoid cells, and there was an increase in the number of CD4+CD25+ Tregs and an increase in... (Science Daily)
Chronic Infection Now Clearly Tied To Immune-system Protein May 17, 2009
The study mice were treated for lymphocytic choriomeningitis, a viral infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Measurements were taken for two types of T-cells, CD4 and CD8 T-cells, before and after the mice were treated with interleukin-21. (Science Daily)
Immune exhaustion driven by antigen in chronic viral infection May 14, 2009
In mice infected by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), T cells became more or less exhausted depending on how much properly framed viral protein was available. Insights from the research could guide efforts to revive the immune system in people with chronic viral infections. (EurekAlert!)
Mathematical Model Used To Explain Viral Extinction Apr 29, 2009
The scientists experimented with the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), which produces persistent infections in house mice and is sometimes transmitted to humans ... Electron microscope image of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infecting BHK-21 cells. (Science Daily)
SIGA Technologies to Discuss Year-End 2008 Results of Operations On March 12, 2009 Mar 10, 2009
SIGA has antiviral programs targeting smallpox and other Category A pathogens, including arenaviruses (Lassa fever, Junin, Machupo, Guanarito, Sabia, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis), dengue virus, and the filoviruses (Ebola and Marburg). For more information about SIGA, please visit SIGA's Web site at. (Primezone Releases)
ST-246(r) in Combination With the Smallpox Vaccine ACAM2000(tm) Confers Protective Immunity in Primates Feb 24, 2009
In addition to small pox, SIGA has antiviral programs targeting other category A pathogens, including arenaviruses (Lassa Fever, Junin, Machupo, Guanarito, Sabia, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis), Dengue Virus, and the filoviruses (Ebola and Marburg). For more information about SIGA, please visit SIGA's website at. (Primezone Releases)
