Research Progress

[22-06-2018]Scientists provide therapeutic candidates for protection against JUNV infection

Junin virus (JUNV) is the pathogen of Argentine haemorrhagic fever which results in high lethality, while there is limited therapeutics available. In a recent study from research group led by Prof. XIAO Gengfu in Wuhan Institute of Virology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a series of mAbs were isolated based on a newly established strategy, and five were proven to effectively neutralize JUN...

[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...