Jan. 21, 2011
Scientists with the University of Illinois at Chicago published a study this month on a class of tiny molecules that apparently adhere to the Ebola virus, seemingly preventing the potential bioterrorism agent from entering and infecting human cells
Previously examined materials "appear to exert their effects by altering the cells' response to the virus once it's entered the cell -- by which time it's too late," according to chemistry professor Duncan Wardrop, one author of the analysis published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
The scientists conducted their study of more than 230 compounds using a nonlethal virus with the protein coat of Ebola.
"We found that our lead compound also inhibits Marburg," Wardrop said, referring to another highly deadly agent suitable for an act of bioterrorism. "That was a nice surprise. There's growing evidence the two viruses have the same cell-entry mechanism, and our observations appear to point to this conclusion."
Animal trials would be necessary to further assess the effectiveness of the molecules.
The newly published study could shed new light on the means by which the Ebola and Marburg viruses penetrate human cells, possibly aiding "development of new antiviral agents," Wardrop added (University of Illinois at Chicago release, Jan. 19).
http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20110121_5351.php
Scientists with the University of Illinois at Chicago published a study this month on a class of tiny molecules that apparently adhere to the Ebola virus, seemingly preventing the potential bioterrorism agent from entering and infecting human cells
Previously examined materials "appear to exert their effects by altering the cells' response to the virus once it's entered the cell -- by which time it's too late," according to chemistry professor Duncan Wardrop, one author of the analysis published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
The scientists conducted their study of more than 230 compounds using a nonlethal virus with the protein coat of Ebola.
"We found that our lead compound also inhibits Marburg," Wardrop said, referring to another highly deadly agent suitable for an act of bioterrorism. "That was a nice surprise. There's growing evidence the two viruses have the same cell-entry mechanism, and our observations appear to point to this conclusion."
Animal trials would be necessary to further assess the effectiveness of the molecules.
The newly published study could shed new light on the means by which the Ebola and Marburg viruses penetrate human cells, possibly aiding "development of new antiviral agents," Wardrop added (University of Illinois at Chicago release, Jan. 19).
http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20110121_5351.php
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