John Williams

July 23, 2014

Natural killer cells don’t clear HMPV

Understanding how the immune system responds to the respiratory virus HMPV is crucial for developing vaccines and anti-viral treatments.

By Leigh MacMillan
lungs
July 17, 2014

Study identifies antibody that may fight MPV, RSV

New Vanderbilt-led research published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases has identified an antibody that shows promise in preventing and treating human metapneumovirus (MPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — the two leading causes of respiratory infections in young children.

By Christina Echegaray
May 27, 2014

Respiratory virus vaccine candidate

Virus-like particles containing a protein from human metapneumovirus are a promising vaccine candidate for this respiratory virus.

By Leigh MacMillan
February 14, 2013

Research reveals clues to childhood respiratory virus

New Vanderbilt-led research published in the Feb. 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine has identified the relatively unknown human metapneumovirus (MPV) as the second most common cause of severe bronchiolitis in young children.

By VUMC News and Communications
September 25, 2012

Cell entry ports for cold virus

The respiratory virus HMPV uses its fusion (F) protein – which interacts with cellular receptors called integrins – to bind to and enter target cells.

By Leigh MacMillan
lungs
August 9, 2012

New therapeutic target for cold, flu viruses identified

Viruses that cause acute respiratory infections — such as human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and flu — impair a set of immune system cells that should clear the virus from the lungs.
Now, Vanderbilt University investigators have discovered the signaling pathway that disables these immune cells.

By Leigh MacMillan
April 13, 2012

Researchers spot Achilles’ heel in respiratory virus

A new viral protein structure could jump-start vaccine development for two leading causes of lower respiratory disease in children and elderly adults.
By Leigh MacMillan