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CELL-SURFACE RECEPTOR FOR EBOLA AND MARBURG VIRUSES
Background: Filoviruses such as the Marburg and Ebola viruses cause sporadic epidemics of human disease characterized by systemic hemorrhage, multi-organ failure and death in most instances. There is currently no accepted vaccine or direct therapy for the clinical manifestations of infection. Mechanisms by which these viruses gain entry into cells to initiate the replication cycle are poorly understood.
Description: Gladstone researchers have cloned a cDNA encoding a receptor that has structural and functional characteristics that are consistent with its role in cellular entry by the Marburg and Ebola viruses. This receptor confers permissivity for infection by both Marburg and Ebola viruses to cells that were not originally capable of being infected. The identification of this cell surface mediator of filovirus entry offers direct evidence that Marburg and Ebola viruses share a common pathway for infection and may aid in the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Applications:
- Identification of antagonists directed toward this receptor and entry pathway should be useful in blocking the viral replication cycle and ameliorating the disease.
- These antagonists may be useful for treating infected host animals instrumental in spreading the disease to humans.
- The antagonists should be useful in protecting medical caregivers against disease transmitted from infected patients.
Reference: 2000-173
Gladstone Contact:
Caryl Cachola
Telephone: 415-734-2082  Tell a friend
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