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Uncovering Influenza's Achilles Heel
# 2255
One of the `upsides' to our heightened concerns over the H5N1 virus these past 3 years has been that influenza research has received a much needed shot in the arm.
Many of these discoveries may someday result in better influenza fighting medicines and technologies, although tangible benefits such as those are likely still years away.
Finding an `Achilles heel', a vulnerability across a wide spectrum of influenza viruses - one that can be exploited by a vaccine or an antiviral - has long been the holy grail of influenza researchers.
New research from the University of Texas at Austin, and Rutgers University, may be bringing us closer to that goal.
This from a press release from the University of Texas.
Discovery Opens Door for Drugs to Fight Bird Flu, Influenza Epidemics
August 25, 2008
AUSTIN, Texas ? Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin and Rutgers University have reported a discovery that could help scientists develop drugs to fight avian flu and other virulent strains of influenza.
The researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of a site on an influenza A virus protein that binds to one of the human protein targets, thereby suppressing a person's natural defenses to the infection and paving the way for the virus to replicate efficiently. This so-called NS1 virus protein is shared by all influenza A viruses isolated from humans, including avian influenza, or bird flu, and the 1918 pandemic influenza virus.
con't .....
# 2255
One of the `upsides' to our heightened concerns over the H5N1 virus these past 3 years has been that influenza research has received a much needed shot in the arm.
Many of these discoveries may someday result in better influenza fighting medicines and technologies, although tangible benefits such as those are likely still years away.
Finding an `Achilles heel', a vulnerability across a wide spectrum of influenza viruses - one that can be exploited by a vaccine or an antiviral - has long been the holy grail of influenza researchers.
New research from the University of Texas at Austin, and Rutgers University, may be bringing us closer to that goal.
This from a press release from the University of Texas.
Discovery Opens Door for Drugs to Fight Bird Flu, Influenza Epidemics
August 25, 2008
AUSTIN, Texas ? Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin and Rutgers University have reported a discovery that could help scientists develop drugs to fight avian flu and other virulent strains of influenza.
The researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of a site on an influenza A virus protein that binds to one of the human protein targets, thereby suppressing a person's natural defenses to the infection and paving the way for the virus to replicate efficiently. This so-called NS1 virus protein is shared by all influenza A viruses isolated from humans, including avian influenza, or bird flu, and the 1918 pandemic influenza virus.
con't .....
