Virology
Hepatitis delta-like virus in birds and snakes
By Vincent Racaniello
Hepatitis D virus is a unique human pathogen. With a circular, negative stranded RNA genome of ~1700 nucleotides, it is the smallest known human virus. Formation of the HDV particle depends on co-infection of cells with a helper virus, hepatitis B virus. Once thought to be specific for humans, related ...
Complementing neutralization of viruses by antibodies
By Vincent Racaniello
Viral infection of vertebrates leads to the production of antibodies, and some of these can block virus infection by a process that is called neutralization. Antibodies can neutralize viral infectivity in a number of ways: they may impair virus entry into cells, and even cause degradation of the capsid in ...
TWiV 544: Immunogaga
By Vincent Racaniello
The TWiV team reveals the repertoire of anti-viral antibodies in newborn humans, and a complement protein that binds the adenovirus capsid and prevents release of the viral DNA. Click arrow to play Download TWiV 544 (65 MB .mp3, 108 min) Subscribe (free): iTunes, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiV! Show notes at microbe.tv/twiv
Immunize mother to protect baby
By Vincent Racaniello
When we are born, our blood contains antibodies that we have inherited from our mothers. They are transferred across the placenta and provide protection from infection until IgG production begins around 15 weeks after birth. Can we exploit such antibody transfer by vaccinating pregnant mothers to protect newborns against infectious ...
TWiV 543: Stoned and senile
By Vincent Racaniello
The TWiV team discusses Medusavirus, isolated from a hot spring in Japan, and induction of neurodegeneration by recurrent herpes simplex virus 1 infection of mice. Click arrow to play Download TWiV 543 (65 MB .mp3, 108 min) Subscribe (free): iTunes, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiV! Show notes at microbe.tv/twiv