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Viruses

Viruses is a peer-reviewed, open access journal of virology, published monthly online by MDPI.
Indexed in PubMed | Quartile Ranking JCR - Q2 (Virology)

All Articles (16,633)

Efficient control of HIV-1 infection relies on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). However, this therapy is not curative and requires continuous drug administration. Application of HIV-1 defective interfering particles (DIPs), engineered with ablations in key viral protein expressions (e.g., Tat, Rev, Vpu, and Env), suggests a therapeutic potential transforming them into Therapeutic Interfering Particles (TIPs). A recent animal HIV model study in non-human primates reports a substantial reduction in viral load after a single intravenous injection of TIPs. In contrast, human clinical trials demonstrate no beneficial effect of defective interfering particles (DIPs) in people living with HIV-1. This discrepancy highlights the importance of further investigation of HIV-TIP interactions. A quantitative view of intracellular replication for HIV-1 in the presence of TIPs is still missing. Here, we develop a high-resolution mathematical model to study various aspects of the interference of a specific engineered TIP-2 particle characterized by a 2.5-kb deletion in the HIV pol-vpr region with HIV-1 replication within infected CD4+ T cells. We define the conditions in terms of the number of homozygous HIV-1 virions and TIP-2 particles that enable the reduction of the wild-type virus replication rate to the value of about one. The deterministic model predicts that at a ratio of 1 HIV-1 to 10 TIP-2 particles, the infected cell still produces some viruses, although in a minor quantity, i.e., about two virions per cycle. Pre-activation of the interferon type I (IFN-I) system results in a complete block of HIV-1 production by TIP-2 co-infected cells. Overall, the modelling results suggest that to improve the effectiveness of TIPs in reducing HIV infection, their combination with other types of antiviral protection should be considered. Our results can be used in the development of combination therapy aimed at treating HIV-1 infection.

15 October 2025

Biochemical scheme of the HIV-1 life cycle and the type I interferon (IFN-I) response. The following stages are considered: viral entry, reverse transcription, integration into the chromosome, transcription and splicing of viral RNAs, translation of proteins including the proteins inhibiting the action of ISGs, assembly of pre-virions, budding and release of immature virions, maturation of released virions, as well as the antiviral response induced by sensing of viral RNAs, IFN synthesis, and translation of antiviral proteins by IFN-stimulated genes.
  • Systematic Review
  • Open Access

Infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) remains a leading cause of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. This situation persists despite the availability of effective prophylactic vaccines. While global vaccination programs have significantly reduced the incidence of HPV in adolescents and young adults, many women presenting with HPV infection or squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) were not covered by primary prevention. This review was performed with the aim of evaluating the impact of administering the 9-valent HPV vaccine in adult women who are HPV-positive or have histologically confirmed cervical precancerous lesions. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a search was performed in the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. A total of 653 studies were retrieved, of which 7 studies, including 19,414 women, met the inclusion criteria. According to the literature, vaccination was linked to significant reductions in persistent HPV infection, progression of SIL, and recurrence of high-grade lesions after surgical removal. Complete HPV remission was achieved in up to 72.4% of vaccinated women, compared to 45.7% among unvaccinated controls. Vaccination after conization lowered the recurrence risk of CIN2+ lesions by 87%, with benefits seen regardless of timing. The most significant effect was observed when vaccine administration was performed before the surgical procedure. Furthermore, HPV vaccination notably enhanced viral clearance and decreased the likelihood of repeated surgical interventions. Despite differences in study design and follow-up definitions, the overall evidence supports additional vaccination in HPV-positive adult women as an effective measure to reduce recurrence and promote viral remission. These findings emphasize the need for clear guidelines and wider access to HPV vaccination for adult populations.

15 October 2025

Genetic and Serological Analysis of H7N3 Avian Influenza Viruses in Mexico for Pandemic Risk Assessment

  • Guadalupe Ayora-Talavera,
  • Irma López-Martínez and
  • Gisela Barrera-Badillo
  • + 6 authors

Avian influenza A viruses pose ongoing threats to human and animal health, with H7 subtypes causing outbreaks globally. In Mexico, highly pathogenic H7N3 viruses have circulated in poultry since 2012, causing sporadic human infections. Here we analyzed genetic markers in hemagglutinin sequences from Mexican H7N3 isolates and conducted serological assays on human populations with poultry exposure. Our results show conserved avian-like receptor binding sites, thus limiting human adaptation, alongside antigenic drift and acquisition of glycosylation sites likely driven by vaccination. Serological testing of 1103 individuals revealed no detectable antibodies against H7N3, indicating a naïve population. Phylogenetic analyses revealed multiple virus clades circulating regionally. These findings suggest that while current H7N3 viruses have limited capacity for sustained human transmission, the lack of population immunity underscores the importance of continued surveillance and risk assessment to mitigate potential pandemic threats.

15 October 2025

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical for HIV management and sustained virological suppression. Differentiating intentional from unintentional nonadherence is essential for developing tailored interventions, yet evidence from Asian populations remains limited. A cross-sectional study of 846 people with HIV (PWH) in northern Taiwan assessed ART adherence using the MARS-5 scale. Participants were categorized into good, unintentional, or intentional non-adherence groups. Logistic regression identified associated behavioral and psychosocial factors. Recreational drug use and younger age were independently linked to both unintentional and intentional poor adherence. Higher income and the use of single-tablet regimens were protective against intentional nonadherence, whereas disclosure of HIV status to a partner and an unsuppressed viral load were significantly associated with intentional nonadherence. Reported reasons included being too busy, emotional distress, and running out of medication. These findings suggest that intentional and unintentional nonadherence represent distinct behavioral patterns, with intentional lapses more strongly linked to virological failure. Addressing substance use, simplifying regimens, and providing psychosocial support after disclosure are essential to optimize adherence and achieve UNAIDS 2030 targets.

14 October 2025

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Viruses - ISSN 1999-4915Creative Common CC BY license