USA —Scientists have pinpointed a potential drug target that could revolutionize the fight against mosquito-borne viruses like dengue and Zika.
By unraveling the intricate mechanisms through which these viruses manipulate host cells to amplify their replication, researchers have paved the way for the development of innovative treatments.
This discovery, recently featured in the journal Cell Host and Microbe, offers newfound hope in the battle against infections that currently lack effective therapies.
Led by Michaela Gack, the Scientific Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Florida Research & Innovation Center, the research marks a significant stride in comprehending the intricate workings of mosquito-borne pathogens.
As these viruses pose an escalating threat to global populations, the study’s findings stand as a beacon of progress.
Gack’s optimism resonates as she anticipates the potential of their pioneering approach to not only understand viral pathogens but also thwart impending health risks.
Decoding the viral hijacking process
Central to the study is the revelation that viruses, utterly dependent on host cells for their propagation, ingeniously exploit these cells as factories to ensure their own replication.
This hijacking is exemplified by the Zika virus, which co-opts various host cell proteins to streamline its replication process.
A pivotal piece of this intricate puzzle is human enzymes that strategically “tag” proteins with supplementary molecules, enhancing their functionality.
This process assumes critical significance in viral replication. In this context, a human enzyme, known as KAT5, emerges as a key player.
Acting as an acetyltransferase, KAT5 supports the amplification of the virus’s RNA genome within viral replication complexes.
Remarkably, the study’s implications extend beyond the immediate revelation. Cindy Chiang, the study’s co-author, underscores the strategic shift in combatting these viruses.
Unlike viruses that rapidly mutate, human proteins evolve more gradually, reducing the likelihood of swift antiviral resistance.
Chiang advocates for targeting the human KAT5 enzyme as a more sustainable and potent strategy against these relentless adversaries.
A Versatile solution on the horizon
Crucially, the study illuminates the potential of drugs designed to target the human KAT5 enzyme.
This not only holds the promise of combating the Zika virus but also a spectrum of other mosquito-transmitted flaviviruses.
The breakthrough opens the doors to transformative therapeutic interventions against these persistent and adaptive health menaces.
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