Flu News and Research

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Host Genetics and Sex Shape Evolution of Viral Virulence

During the early stages of a pandemic, viruses tend to evolve in ways that enhance their ability to reproduce and spread, rather than to evade the host's immune system.

4 May 2026

Influenza D Virus Shows Potential to Infect Human Cells

The influenza D virus that researchers say has been flying under the radar since its detection in animals in 2011 can vigorously make copies of itself in human cells and lung tissue samples, a new study shows.

27 Apr 2026

Gene Editing Reprograms Immune System to Produce Therapeutic Proteins

An innovative gene-editing strategy could establish a new way for the body to manufacture therapeutic proteins-including certain kinds of highly potent antibodies the are naturally difficult to produce-by reprogramming the immune system itself.

20 Apr 2026

Vibrio cholerae Captures External DNA to Boost Its Antiviral Defenses

Like most bacteria, Vibrio cholerae lives under constant attack from viruses. To survive, bacteria equip themselves with antiviral immune systems.

10 Apr 2026

How To Create Long-Lasting Immune Cells For Stronger Vaccines

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine have identified a potential approach to develop longer-lasting vaccines for respiratory viruses such as influenza and the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

1 Apr 2026

Sweat Peptide Dermcidin Prevents Flu Virus Entry Into Cells

A research team led by the Fisabio Foundation has demonstrated that dermcidin, an antimicrobial peptide produced constitutively by the human body, also exhibits antiviral activity against the influenza virus. The study also shows that people who do not develop flu-like symptoms have higher baseline levels of this molecule, which could be associated with lower susceptibility to infection.

31 Mar 2026

New Epigenetic Catalog Helps Explain Individual Differences in Immune Responses

The COVID-19 pandemic gave us tremendous perspective on how wildly symptoms and outcomes can vary between patients experiencing the same infection.

28 Jan 2026

Single-Donor Lung-on-Chip Enables Personalized TB Research

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and AlveoliX have developed the first human 'lung-on-chip' model using stem cells taken from only one person.

2 Jan 2026

New Microscopy Reveals How Cells Actively Capture the Flu Virus

Researchers at ETH Zurich have achieved an unprecedented live, high-resolution visualization of influenza virus infection within living cells.

5 Dec 2025

Bird flu withstands human fever

Avian influenza viruses pose a specific risk to people, as they can multiply at temperatures exceeding a normal fever, which is a defense mechanism used by the body to halt viruses, according to new research conducted by Cambridge and Glasgow universities.

28 Nov 2025

Using AI and "Protein Language" Models to Speed Monoclonal Antibody Design

Artificial intelligence (AI) and "protein language" models can speed the design of monoclonal antibodies that prevent or reduce the severity of potentially life-threatening viral infections, according to a multi-institutional study led by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

6 Nov 2025

Combating Influenza A Virus with CRISPR and Human Lung Organ Chips

The Influenza A virus (IAV) has been the cause of six major flu pandemics, responsible for 50 to 100 million deaths globally.

16 Oct 2025

UAB Identifies Six Novel Subsets, Reshaping Immune Knowledge

The study highlights T-bet's importance in memory B cells, essential for rapid antibody production and sustained immune defense against influenza.

14 Jul 2025

Genetic Ancestry Tied to Immune Response in Dengue Infection

For the first time, the extreme variability in dengue fever has been linked to a biological mechanism, potentially opening doors to new treatments and vaccines for the most common mosquito-borne disease worldwide.

1 Jul 2025

Fungal Spores in the Air May Predict Flu and COVID-19 Surges

Monitoring fungal spores in the outdoor air can predict surges in flu and COVID-19 infections, especially during the fall, according to a new study.

23 Jun 2025

Researchers Develop Promising Vaccine for Vaginal Yeast Infections

The UGA vaccine offers a potential breakthrough in combating vaginal yeast infections, aiming to reduce reliance on antifungal drugs amid growing resistance.

18 Jun 2025

New Study Details H9N2 Avian Flu’s Variability and Public Health Implications

Research on H9N2 avian influenza shows extensive genetic changes, raising public health concerns and emphasizing the need for enhanced monitoring and vaccines.

4 Jun 2025

How Heterogeneous Antibody Immunity Shapes Strain Evolution

A new study found that person-to-person heterogeneity in antibody immunity influences which influenza (flu) strains dominate in a population.

4 Jun 2025

CAR-T Cell Therapy Causes “Brain Fog,” Independent of Other Cancer Treatments

After treatment with CAR-T cells - immune cells engineered to attack cancer - patients sometimes tell their doctors they feel like they have "brain fog," or forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.

13 May 2025

Scientists Use AI to Predict Future Viruses and Design Better Vaccines

Effective vaccines dramatically changed the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing illness, reducing disease severity, and saving millions of lives.

10 May 2025