Research Progress

[22-06-2018]Scientists show that lacidipine is a candidate for LASV therapy

Lassa virus (LASV) is an enveloped, negative-sense, bi-segmented RNA virus belonging to the Mammarenavirus genus (family Arenaviridae). To date, no vaccines or specific antiviral agents against LASV are available. Therapy strategies are limited to the administration of ribavirin in the early course of the illness.

[22-06-2018]Scientists identify the human cytomegalovirus protein UL31 as an inhibitor of cGAS

The cytosolic DNA sensor cGAS recognizes viral DNA and synthesizes the second messenger cGAMP upon viral infection. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a member of the betaherpesvirus family, is a typical dsDNA virus that encodes over 200 proteins. Similar to many other DNA viruses, HCMV infection induces activation of the cGAS-MITA signaling pathway.

[07-05-2018]Scientists revealed that Ac102 and C42 form a regulatory cascade to control viral NPF activity

Actin is one of the most functionally important proteins in eukaryotic cells. Morphologically, actin can be found in two forms: a monomeric form called globular actin (G-actin) and a polymeric form called filamentous actin (F-actin). G-actin can polymerize to form F-actin, and nucleation promoting factor (NPF) is the initiator of this process. Many viral pathogens harness the host actin polymer...

[02-05-2018]Scientists highlighted the oligomeric state as the functional form of GP41 in baculovrius replica...

In baculovirus, a large double stranded enveloped DNA virus, so far only a single protein, named GP41, has been identified as an O-glycosylated tegument protein. Baculoviruses are specific for insects and have been widely used as biocontrol agents of insect pests, as well as efficient gene expression and gene delivery vectors for human therapy. GP41 was originally identified as an O-linked glyc...