The urgency of Marburg therapeutics: preventing local outbreaks from the potential global spread

Therapeutic advances in Marburg virus disease: from experimental treatments to vaccine development

The Marburg virus (MARV), discovered in 1967, has led to devastating outbreaks over the world; the mortality rate of Marburg virus disease (MVD) varies according to the outbreak and viral type. The very first known filovirus hemorrhagic fever outbreaks occurred in Germany and the former Yugoslavia. MVD is a deadly illness caused by the MARV virus, part of the Filoviridae family. It progresses with early viral replication that damages immune cells, followed by destruction of organs like the spleen, liver, and lymphoid tissues. Combatting this disease requires proper health education, and strong strategies. MVD is a lethal single-stranded RNA virus transmitted by Egyptian rousette bats, with a fatality rate of approximately 90%. This work explored ongoing studies on the recent vaccine developments and experimental therapies, such as a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based vaccine and MVA-BN-Filo, aiming to combat this deadly infection. Over the previous years, MARV has also spread to non-endemic African countries, demonstrating its potential to cause epidemics. Although MARV-specific vaccines are evaluated in preclinical and clinical research, none have been approved for human use. Studies revealed that Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara, a well-established viral vector used to generate vaccines against emerging pathogens, can deliver multiple antigens and has a remarkable clinical safety and immunogenicity record. MVD has been recently reported in Rwanda in 2024, an African country, and nearly 15 outbreaks of MVD have been reported. This review describes the nature of the MVD, key outbreaks, the virus's pathogenesis, mode of transmission, clinical and laboratory diagnosis, and control and prevention measures to advance MVD treatment, drug development, vaccine creation, and prevention of MVD.

Role of nutraceuticals in viral infections as immunomodulators: A comprehensive review

Nutraceuticals are dietary supplements produced from food sources that are intended to improve health through immune system modulation or by helping to prevent and treat a variety of ailments. Their anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant qualities are well recognized. In certain instances, they even show direct microbiological efficacy against viral infections. Because of their special capacity, they may be able to help slow the spread and effects of very infectious illnesses, such as pandemics like COVID‐19. Nutraceuticals work well against viral infections because of a number of intricate processes. Reducing the harm that infections do to the immune system is one of the main effects. Nutraceuticals have the power to stimulate and activate the immune system, improving the body's capacity to identify and eliminate infections. Additionally, they are essential in reducing oxidative damage, which can result in serious consequences and is frequently intensified during viral infections. Nutraceuticals also strengthen immunity by promoting regulatory T cell differentiation and proliferation, which is crucial for preserving immune system homeostasis and limiting hyperinflammatory reactions. They control the production of proinflammatory cytokines, which helps to avoid cytokine storms during viral infections that may seriously harm tissue. This regulation lowers the danger of hyperinflammation and enhances overall results by supporting a balanced immune response. Through a number of biochemical mechanisms, nutraceuticals can strengthen the body's defenses against viral infections. They promote a more effective and efficient immune response by regulating immune cell activities, oxidative stress reduction, and antioxidant pathway activation. Furthermore, by interacting with different cellular signaling pathways, nutraceuticals can affect the synthesis and function of important immune components. This study clarifies the molecular processes behind the immunomodulatory effects of nutraceuticals, highlighting their crucial role in both treating and preventing viral infections.