The replication of EBOV (Ebola virus) requires a modified human protein

The replication of EBOV (Ebola virus) requires a modified human protein. Although many recombinant human proteins have been developed, this new discovery may open a new door for the treatment of EBOV.

EBOV is one of the deadliest known human pathogens and can cause severe hemorrhagic fever. When EBOV replicate themselves within the cell, it makes its own proteins passes through the basic mechanisms of taking over and hijack the host cells.

In this study, virus fragments with no infectious were used to study viral gene expression. Small molecule drugs were used to inhibit the function of cellular pathways related to protein synthesis. These drugs and other pathways can reduce the viral gene expression, suggesting that the pathway blocked by the drugs may prevent EBOV replication. To confirm this, the research team cooperated with the University of Texas Medical Branch. Researchers at the university tested that when a small molecule they studied existed, the self-replication capacity of EBOV would show some changes. They found that when adding the drugs, the number of self-replication of EBOV reduced. The findings were published in the journal mBio, which also publishes some other studies on recombinant proteins.

In order to investigate the cause of this phenomenon, the study looked at what happened to certain viral proteins when the pathway opened and closed. They found that one of the proteins of EBOV, VP30, would accumulate in cells when the pathway opened, while it wouldn't accumulate when the pathway was closed. These results indicated that VP30 protein was the only viral protein that causes the phenomenon above.

"A protein synthesized by a virus needs an unusual part of the mechanism of a host protein synthesis. We have found that if blocking the function of this part, the viruses would show some problems when replicating themselves. Therefore, reducing the ability of a certain kind of proteins in viral replication, the entire replication cycle could be affected." explained Dr. John Connor, the corresponding author, associate professor of microbiology at Boston University school of Medicine.

According to the researchers, these findings identified a necessary and uniquely-modified human protein for Ebola virus to grow in cells. "Aiming at this human protein may present a new target for treatment of Ebola. These studies can help us understand and fight active or dormant Ebola virus infection." He added.

Flarebio Biotech LLC is a National High-Tech Enterprise with research, production and sales as one. We offer recombinant proteins including recombinant NRG3 at competitive prices.