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Bat Immune Systems: The Original Antivirus Programs
Bats stay healthy while hosting some of the world’s deadliest viruses. Scientists are just beginning to understand how.
Bat Immune Systems: The Original Antivirus Programs
Bat Immune Systems: The Original Antivirus Programs

Bats stay healthy while hosting some of the world’s deadliest viruses. Scientists are just beginning to understand how.

Bats stay healthy while hosting some of the world’s deadliest viruses. Scientists are just beginning to understand how.

interferon

The Evolution of Bats’ Super Immunity
Niki Spahich, PhD | Jan 10, 2024 | 4 min read
Researchers generated complete genomes of two important bat species and explored their immune- and cancer-related genes.
Artist’s rendition of red SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses floating near blue strands of DNA.
COVID-19 Infections May Reshape Genetic Landscape
Holly Barker, PhD | Mar 30, 2023 | 3 min read
SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers structural changes in the host cell’s DNA, which provide a molecular explanation for long COVID, a new study suggests. 
Closeup of a pair of hands in blue gloves holding a white mouse and injecting it with an amber colored liquid.
Opioids Recruit the Immune System to Cause Withdrawal Symptoms
Dan Robitzski | Jan 25, 2023 | 6 min read
A study finds that T cells induced by heroin cross the blood-brain barrier to wreak havoc on the brain, hinting at new ways to prevent withdrawal.
Illustration of viruses represented with different colors overlapping each other.
What Happens When You Catch More than One Virus?
Alejandra Manjarrez, PhD | Dec 7, 2022 | 8 min read
The “tripledemic” shines a spotlight on viral interference, in which one infection can block another.
A mouse in front of an open sack of grain.
Mice Fed a Highly Processed Diet Are More Susceptible to the Flu
Alejandra Manjarrez, PhD | Nov 18, 2022 | 3 min read
It’s not clear why grain-fed mice are better able to recover after infection, but a study’s findings suggest food type may skew the results of animal studies.
an immune cell in blood
Why Viral Infections Are More Severe in People with Down Syndrome
Andy Carstens | Oct 14, 2022 | 6 min read
In people with the genetic condition, inflammation can cause a mild infection to snowball out of control, a study finds.
illustration of a coronavirus and antibodies
When the Immune Response Makes COVID-19 Worse
Alejandra Manjarrez, PhD | Sep 27, 2021 | 8 min read
If the immune system makes mistakes—reacting late or getting the target wrong—it can amplify the damage wrought by SARS-CoV-2.
the molecular structure of interferon-alpha
Lots of Rapid Evolution in Interferon-Stimulated Genes: Study
Christie Wilcox, PhD | Jul 1, 2021 | 2 min read
A comparison of interferon-related genes across 20 primate genomes reveals differences in the speed at which they evolve and new targets for antiviral discovery efforts.
Key Genes Related to Severe COVID-19 Infection Identified
Max Kozlov | Dec 14, 2020 | 3 min read
Differences in the expression of genes associated with antiviral immunity and lung inflammation may contribute to a more serious COVID-19 infection.
SARS-CoV-2 Disables Key Components of Human Cells’ Defense System
Catherine Offord | Oct 22, 2020 | 4 min read
Researchers detail how viral proteins interact with host RNA to disrupt the cell’s ability to fight back against infection.
Special Report
ifn interferon interferon-alpha interferon-beta synairgen interferon-lambda coronavirus pandemic covid-19 sars-cov-2 innate immune response cytokine inflammation drug therapeutic preventive
Seeking an Early COVID-19 Drug, Researchers Look to Interferons
Alakananda Dasgupta | Jul 20, 2020 | 9 min read
These antiviral proteins are produced by the body as a natural defense against viral infections and synthetic interferons might help prevent or treat the beginning stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
SARS-CoV-2 Protein Hampers Innate Immune Reaction In Vitro
Abby Olena, PhD | May 21, 2020 | 3 min read
The viral protein known as ORF3b limits the induction of the type I interferon response, which typically alerts other immune system components to the presence of a virus, in cultured cells.
Some Antibiotics Rev Up Host Immune Response to Viruses
Shawna Williams | Apr 9, 2018 | 4 min read
The antimicrobial drug neomycin protects mice from some viral infections, complicating the picture of the relationship between antibiotics and susceptibility to viruses.
Maternal Response to Zika Damages Mouse Fetuses
Catherine Offord | Jan 5, 2018 | 2 min read
Signaling pathways triggered by the mother’s immune system may cause complications during fetal development.
Polio Vaccine Pioneer Dies
Kerry Grens | May 2, 2017 | 2 min read
Julius Youngner collaborated with Jonas Salk on the polio vaccine, and later identified interferon gamma and contributed to an equine influenza vaccine.
Culprit for Antibody Blockade Identified
Amanda B. Keener | Oct 21, 2016 | 4 min read
Type I interferon organizes several immune mechanisms to suppress B cell responses to a chronic viral infection.
One Way Placenta Deflects Zika Infection
Kerry Grens | Apr 5, 2016 | 1 min read
Certain immune cells surrounding the organ appear to block viral entry.
Facing Down Emerging Viruses
Michal Barski | Feb 1, 2015 | 3 min read
A better knowledge of the pathogenesis of emerging zoonotic diseases is crucial if we want to prepare for “the next Ebola.”
Interferon Discoverer Dies
Kerry Grens | Jan 26, 2015 | 1 min read
Jean Lindemann, the virologist who helped figure out that interferons were responsible for anti-viral responses, has passed away at age 90.
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