Infection Biology

Researchers reveal new insights into the how the matrix layer of HIV-1 becomes mature more

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics and the University of Heidelberg have discovered how Hi viruses enter the nucleus of a human cell. The conical protein capsules in which the genetic material of the pathogens is packed accumulate at nuclear pores in human immune cells such as macrophages and pass through them. The conical shape of the capsid seems to facilitate transport through the pores, because the passage of the capsules generates a force that breaks open the rings of the nuclear pores. The discovery could contribute to the development of new HIV inhibitors. more

Syphilis originated in the Americas prior to the arrival of Columbus, and European colonialism made it globally dominant more

Scientists reconstruct ancient genomes of the two most deadly malaria parasites, Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum more

Viruses keep the most common marine bacteria in check more

When a wave of infection reaches its peak depends, among other things, on seasonal temperature fluctuations and changes in contact rates more

The capsid of the virus acts as a molecular transporter more

"Soldier" bacteria filled with toxins sacrifice themselves for the benefit of their conspecifics, giving them pathogenic properties more

The pathogens want to benefit as long as possible from the food supply that life in the vector mosquitoes offers them more

Contrary to what is often reported, only one species is known to have transmitted pathogens to humans more

Admittedly, the research subject isn’t particularly appetizing: Strongyloides stercoralis – small parasitic worms that live in their host’s intestines and have the potential to cause severe problems. Nevertheless, Adrian Streit from the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology in Tübingen is fascinated by this threadworm. It has a unique life cycle, and to this day, no one really understands why more

Salmonella enterica, the bacterium responsible for enteric fever, may be the long-debated cause of the 1545-1550 AD “cocoliztli” epidemic in Oaxaca, Mexico that heavily affected the native population. more

Max Planck scientists discover novel innate surveillance mechanism to fight off pathogenic Helicobacter strains more

New mechanism of stomach gland regeneration reveals impact of Helicobacter pylori infection more

Researchers illuminate the epidemiology of a cryptic pathogen more

Max Planck scientists fulfil a key requirement for further research on Zika virus and for the production of vaccines more

Household income and knowledge about health risks drive the consumption of wild animal meat in West Africa more

For Emmanuelle Charpentier, deciphering the functioning of an enzyme previously known only to experts was a life-changing moment more

Wolfgang Fiedler, an ornithologist at the Radolfzell Ornithological Station, pleads for more research leading to a better understanding of transmission paths more

The mavirus provides single-celled organisms with immunity against a giant virus more