Harvard Medical School and Boston University researchers have mapped the viral polymerase complex of the Nipah virus, a significant step towards developing much-needed treatments for this highly lethal bat-borne pathogen.
Scientists at Harvard Medical School and Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the Nipah virus, a highly lethal bat-borne pathogen that poses a serious threat to global health. The advance, published in the journal Cell on January 20, 2025, focuses on mapping a critical component of the virus: the viral polymerase complex.
This complex of proteins is responsible for copying the virus's genetic material, enabling its spread and infection of cells. Nipah virus has emerged as a major concern due to its high fatality rate, estimated between 40% and 75% of infected individuals. Outbreaks have occurred almost annually since its identification in 1999, primarily in Southeast Asia and Bangladesh. The virus can infect humans through contaminated food, direct contact with infected animals, or airborne droplets released during coughing. Its ability to spread through respiratory secretions and potentially via asymptomatic carriers raises concerns about its pandemic potential. Severe Nipah virus infections can lead to encephalitis, a brain inflammation that causes neurological deficits and death. Currently, there are no vaccines or effective treatments available for Nipah virus infection, relying solely on supportive care. The researchers' detailed three-dimensional map of the Nipah virus polymerase provides a crucial foundation for developing antiviral therapies. By understanding the structure and function of this viral machinery, scientists can identify potential drug targets that could inhibit the virus's replication. The study involved two key approaches: purifying the polymerase and determining its structure using cryo-electron microscopy, and inducing mutations in the polymerase to observe their effects on its function in cells. This comprehensive analysis revealed the unique and shared characteristics of Nipah virus polymerases compared to other viral polymerases, offering valuable insights for developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. Although promising oral drug candidates have been developed against related viruses, further research is needed to create treatments specifically effective against Nipah virus
Nipah Virus Virology Antiviral Polymerase Pandemic Encephalitis Bats Public Health
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