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Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-05/uoih-rti042911.php
Public release date: 2-May-2011
Contact: Jennifer Brown
jennifer-l-brown@uiowa.edu
319-356-7124
University of Iowa Health Care
Research team identifies receptor for Ebola virus
Cellular protein TIM-1 acts as a receptor for Ebola virus and Marburg virus, and an antibody that binds to TIM-1 blocks infection by both viruses; developing a human-compatible version of the antibody might provide a way to prevent initial infection
A team of researchers has identified a cellular protein that acts as a receptor for Ebola virus and Marburg virus. Furthermore, the team showed that an antibody, which binds to the receptor protein, is able to block infection by both viruses.
"This is the first receptor identified for Ebola and Marburg viruses," said Wendy Maury, Ph.D., associate professor of microbiology at the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine and senior study author. "That's important because if you can identify and understand the first step in infection - how the virus enters cells - then perhaps you can prevent the infection by nipping it in the bud..."
Public release date: 2-May-2011
Contact: Jennifer Brown
jennifer-l-brown@uiowa.edu
319-356-7124
University of Iowa Health Care
Research team identifies receptor for Ebola virus
Cellular protein TIM-1 acts as a receptor for Ebola virus and Marburg virus, and an antibody that binds to TIM-1 blocks infection by both viruses; developing a human-compatible version of the antibody might provide a way to prevent initial infection
A team of researchers has identified a cellular protein that acts as a receptor for Ebola virus and Marburg virus. Furthermore, the team showed that an antibody, which binds to the receptor protein, is able to block infection by both viruses.
"This is the first receptor identified for Ebola and Marburg viruses," said Wendy Maury, Ph.D., associate professor of microbiology at the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine and senior study author. "That's important because if you can identify and understand the first step in infection - how the virus enters cells - then perhaps you can prevent the infection by nipping it in the bud..."