Recent Scientific Findings
Predominant role of bacterial pneumonia as a cause of death in pandemic influenza: Implications for pandemic influenza preparedness
This paper concludes that the majority of deaths in the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic likely resulted directly from secondary bacterial pneumonia caused by common upper respiratory-tract bacteria. Less substantial data from the subsequent 1957 and 1968 pandemics are consistent with these findings. If severe pandemic influenza is largely a problem of viral-bacterial co-pathogenesis, pandemic planning needs to go beyond addressing the viral cause alone (e.g., influenza vaccines and antiviral drugs). Prevention, diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of secondary bacterial pneumonia, as well as stockpiling of antibiotics and bacterial vaccines, should also be high priorities for pandemic planning.
DM Morens et al. Predominant role of bacterial pneumonia as a cause of death in pandemic influenza: Implications for pandemic influenza preparedness. The Journal of Infectious Diseases DOI: 10.1086/591708 (2008)
(Published on October 1, 2008)
Neutralizing antibodies derived from the B cells of 1918 influenza pandemic survivors
This paper describes the generation and characterization of neutralizing antibodies derived from the B cells of 1918 influenza pandemic survivors. The human monoclonal antibodies generated in this study provide the first demonstration of the persistence of human-specific immune cells to a pandemic virus. In this case, B cells encoding neutralizing antibodies were found to have persisted for over 90 years. Administering theses virus-neutralizing antibodies to mice protected them from lethal challenge with 1918 influenza virus.
Yu X et al. Neutralizing antibodies derived from the B cells of 1918 influenza pandemic survivors. Nature epub August 17, 2008.
Drosophila RNAi screen identifies host genes important for influenza virus replication
Researchers used a genome-wide Drosophila screen to identify novel host factors involved in the replication of the influenza virus. Using this technology, they identified 110 host genes that were important for efficient influenza virus replication. The researchers confirmed that the human homolog of three of the host gene candidates (ATP6V0D1, COX6A1, and NXF1) have key roles in the replication of H5N1 and H1N1 influenza viruses specifically. The implications of this work are that identification of host factors involved in influenza virus replication may be exploited to rapidly develop novel therapeutics and vaccines for influenza.
Hao L et al. (2008) Drosophila RNAi screen identifies host genes important for influenza virus replication. Nature 454(7206):890-3.
(epub on July 9, 2008, published on August 14, 2008)
Structural basis for suppression of a host antiviral response by influenza A virus
Researchers determined which region of the NS1 protein's structure is important for suppressing the host type I interferon response that has antiviral effects on influenza. This research provides a structural mechanism for the way in which NS1 suppresses the immune response to influenza and has implications for the development of antiviral therapeutic agents.
Das K. et al. (2008) Structural basis for suppression of a host antiviral response by influenza A virus. PNAS 105:13092-13097.
(online August 26, 2008, published on September 2, 2008)
Photopolymerization as an innovative detection technique for low-density microarray
This work reveals an innovative technique that may transform influenza diagnostics and surveillance. The authors demonstrate a colorimetric (rather than the conventional, expensive fluorescence) signal amplification technique for low density protein and DNA microarrays.
Kuck LR, Taylor AW. (2008) Photopolymeriation as an innovative detection technique for low-density microarray. Biotechniques 45(2):179-86.
(in PubMed dated August 2008)
The genomic and epidemiological dynamics of human influenza A virus
Researchers analyzed full gene sequences of seasonal influenza virus samples collected from the world’s temperate regions north and south of the equator. Their data comprised full genetic sequences of 1,302 isolates of influenza A virus collected over 12 years from New Zealand and New York state. By quantifying the degree of genetic diversity among the strains’ subtypes, gene segments, and geographic locations, the researchers were able to detect patterns indicating that virus strains do not persist from one flu season to the next in the temperate regions. Therefore, the researchers deduced, new flu strains emerge annually from the tropics. The new findings should help public health officials more quickly and accurately determine which strains to include in the annual flu vaccine.
A Rambaut et al. The genomic and epidemiological dynamics of human influenza A virus. Nature DOI: 10.1038/nature06945 (2008)
(epub on April 16, 2008; published May 29, 2008)
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