Cytomegalovirus News and Research

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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the herpes virus group, which includes herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox), and Epstein-Barr virus (which causes infectious mononucleosis). Infection with CMV is a major cause of disease and death in immunocompromised patients, including organ transplant recipients, patients undergoing hemodialysis, patients with cancer, patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs, and HIV-infected patients. While drugs are available for treatment of these conditions, the primary drug choices carry significant side effects and warnings. Currently, there are no anti-CMV drugs indicated for treatment of primary CMV infection during pregnancy resulting in infections that can have catastrophic consequences to the newborn. Maternal-fetal transfer of CMV infection results in a fetal death rate of 12% and most survivors have permanent debilitating disorders, including mental retardation, vision loss, and sensorineural deafness.

HIV-infected infants more likely to acquire congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Infants born to HIV-positive mothers had high rates of congenital cytomegalovirus, or CMV. Infants who also were infected before birth by the virus that causes AIDS were especially prone to CMV infection.

16 Oct 2018

NCCN adds COPIKTRA capsules to NCCN Guidelines for follicular lymphoma

Verastem, Inc., focused on developing and commercializing medicines to improve the survival and quality of life of cancer patients, today announced that the National Comprehensive Cancer Network added COPIKTRA (duvelisib) capsules to the Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for follicular lymphoma.

8 Oct 2018

Researchers begin trial to reduce risks of major cause of childhood disabilities

Researchers are beginning recruitment in a trial to see if changing pregnant women's hygiene habits could reduce the risks of a major cause of childhood disabilities.

7 Sep 2018

Mechanical properties of viral DNA influence the course of infection, study finds

A new study reveals a previously unknown mechanism that governs whether viruses that infect bacteria will quickly kill their hosts or remain latent inside the cell. The discovery, reported in the journal eLife, also may apply to viruses that infect humans and other animals, the researcher said.

5 Sep 2018

Study could open new therapeutic avenues to attack herpesviruses

Human cytomegalovirus is a leading cause of birth defects and transplant failures. As it's evolved over time, this virus from the herpes family has found a way to bypass the body's defense mechanisms that usually guards against viral infections. Until now, scientists couldn't understand how it manages to do so.

28 Aug 2018

Researchers find link between common 'harmless' virus and cardiovascular damage

Researchers from Brighton and Sussex Medical School have found an unexpectedly close link between a herpes virus and the occurrence of immune cells damaging cardiovascular tissue.

13 Aug 2018

New study finds key factors behind differences in immune responses

Age, sex, and specific human genetic variants are the key factors behind differences between immune responses among healthy humans, finds a study of 1,000 individuals carried out by EPFL and the Pasteur Institute.

6 Aug 2018

Study highlights impact of silent viruses on how the host responds to vaccines

UC Davis researchers have shown that low levels of cytomegalovirus (CMV) have a significant impact on microbe and immune cell populations and how the immune system responds to the influenza vaccine. The study was published in the Journal of Virology.

3 Aug 2018

Unique virus appears to enhance our immune system rather than weakening it

Our immune system is at its peak when we're young, but after a certain age, it declines and it becomes more difficult for our bodies to fight off new infections.

3 Jul 2018

Study uncovers unconventional killer T cells capable of combating viral infections

Research led by the University of Birmingham has identified a novel unconventional type of immune cell capable of fighting viral infections.

2 May 2018

Scientists explore factors that most affect our immune system

Why do we respond differently to infections or vaccines? Why are some people allergic to pollen? These are still unanswered questions in biological and medical science.

28 Feb 2018

New genomic tools provide better understanding of the human immune system

When the body is under attack from pathogens, the immune system marshals a diverse collection of immune cells to work together in a tightly orchestrated process and defend the host against the intruders.

22 Jan 2018

New vaccine approach offers effective protection against tuberculosis

A unique platform that resulted in a promising HIV vaccine has also led to a new, highly effective vaccine against tuberculosis that is moving toward testing in humans.

18 Jan 2018

Research could contribute to development of therapeutic drug and vaccine against malaria

Malaria is one of three major infectious diseases affecting approximately 300 million people every year, accounting for about 500,000 deaths, but effective vaccine development has not been successful.

4 Dec 2017

Anti-aging protein could be used as target for rejuvenating cells in the immune system

Anti-aging proteins have long been shown to protect against age-related diseases, such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disease. A study by researchers at the Gladstone Institutes now reveals that one such protein could also be targeted to rejuvenate cells in the immune system.

1 Dec 2017

Researchers to test use of ‘viral specific’ T-cells to target toxic viruses in children

Michael Pulsipher, MD, of the Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, along with Michael Keller, MD from Children's National Health System in Washington, DC, have been awarded $4.8 million by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to study the use of a new T-cell therapy to help fight active viral infections in children with severe immune deficiencies.

7 Nov 2017

Using biologics during pregnancy may not raise infant's risk for opportunistic infections

Using a biologic therapy to manage rheumatoid arthritis may not significantly increase an infant's risk for developing opportunistic infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and tuberculosis, according to new research findings presented this week at the 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting in San Diego.

6 Nov 2017

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