Latest Ebola News: Scientists find proteins blocking the release of HIV, Ebola

In a recent study, researchers have revealed a family of proteins that have the ability to the enter virus-infected cells and block the release of new viral particles from the cell. This family of proteins may block the release of HIV as well as well as Ebola virus. 'This is a surprising finding that provides new insights into our understanding of not only HIV infection, but also that of Ebola and other viruses,' said Shan-Lu Liu, associate professor in the University of Missouri School of Medicine's Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology.

AIDS is a condition characterised by progressive failure of the immune system. It is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). When HIV-1 or any virus infects a cell, it replicates and spreads to other cells. One type of cellular protein - T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain, or TIM-1 - has previously been shown to promote entry of some highly pathogenic viruses into host cells. Now, researchers have found that the same protein possesses a unique ability to block the release of HIV-1 and Ebola virus. 'This study shows that TIM proteins keep viral particles from being released by the infected cell and instead keep them tethered to the cell surface,' said Gordon Freeman, associate professor of medicine with Harvard Medical School's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

'This is true for several important enveloped viruses including HIV and Ebola. We may be able to use this insight to slow the production of these viruses,' said Freeman. Under the supervision of Liu, Minghua Li, a graduate student in the MU Pathobiology Area Programme, performed a series of experiments that revealed the protein's ability to inhibit HIV-1 release, resulting in diminished viral production and replication.

HIV-1 attacks cells that are vital to the body's immune system, such as T cells. These white blood cells play an important role in the body's response to infection, but HIV-1 disrupts the cells' ability to fight back against infection. When the virus enters a host cell, it infects the cell and replicates, producing viral particles that spread to and infect other cells. The researchers found that as the viral particles attempt to bud from, or leave, the infected cell, the TIM-family proteins located on the surface of the cell can attach to lipids on the surface of the viral particle. These lipids - known as phosphatidylserine (PS) - are normally present on the inner side of the cellular membrane but can be exposed to the outer side upon viral.

What is Ebola virus?

The Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe condition caused by a virus from the Filoviridae family. Known to be a condition that is transmitted from animals to humans, this virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or animal.

What are the symptoms?

The incubation period (or the time between when the actual infection takes place to the time when a person sees symptoms of this condition) for this disease is about one week. After this period a person will commonly see the signs that are considered as 'early symptoms'. According to Dr Ratan,the early symptoms include fever, rashes, headache, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Apart from that a person may also experience symptoms like pain in the lower back, arthritis like pain all over the body, diarrhea and a sore throat.

How can it be prevented?

According to Dr Ratan, 'There aren't any vaccinations available as of now, so basic hygiene is of importance and a must be followed in order to prevent the onset of the condition. Simple activities like washing your hands well, drinking water from a clean source, maintaining general hygiene and cooking your meat well, can all serve as precautionary measures. Apart from that people should avoid crowded places, or those that are known to have an outbreak. It is also important that if they notice any early symptoms, they should visit a doctor immediately.' Read more about Ebola virus causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention

With inputs from PTI

Photo source: Getty images

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