Articles: pandemics.
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Less than 100 years since it was first transmitted to the human population HIV-1 infects more than 30 million people worldwide and causes almost 2 million AIDS-related deaths every year. Viruses manipulate cellular genes and pathways to benefit their survival, and the study of cell surface proteins downregulated by viruses has provided insights into both viral pathogenesis and crucial aspects of cell biology. We aimed to identify novel cell surface proteins targeted for downregulation by HIV-1. ⋯ Wellcome Trust, Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Foundation.
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Health Technol Assess · Feb 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyBlinded randomised controlled trial of low-dose Adjuvant Steroids in Adults admitted to hospital with Pandemic influenza (ASAP): a trial 'in hibernation', ready for rapid activation.
There are no completed randomised trials of the use of corticosteroids in patients with severe influenza infection. Corticosteroid use in influenza is widespread, non-systematic and marked by controversy. A recent meta-analysis of observational studies of adjuvant corticosteroids in influenza found an association with increased mortality but there were important concerns regarding the risks of bias. ⋯ This study demonstrates that advance set-up of a trial to be conducted during a pandemic, with full regulatory approvals in place, is possible. Regular review during the hibernation phase will be required. This study serves as a model for the development of other 'off-the-shelf' trials as part of preparedness planning for public health emergencies.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Feb 2015
Longevity and Determinants of Protective Humoral Immunity Following Pandemic Influenza Infection.
Antibodies to influenza hemagglutinin are the primary correlate of protection against infection. The strength and persistence of this immune response influences viral evolution and consequently the nature of influenza epidemics. However, the durability and immune determinants of induction of humoral immunity after primary influenza infection remain unclear. ⋯ The longevity of protective humoral immunity after influenza infection has important implications for influenza transmission dynamics and vaccination policy, and identification of its predictive cellular immune correlate could guide vaccine development and evaluation.