2009/12/07 > eTech France 235 > Bronchiolitis: The 3D Structure of Key Virus Region Revealed

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		Live from the Lab Bronchiolitis: The 3D Structure of Key Virus Region Revealed http://www.bulletins-electroniques.com/actualites/61472.htm More than 70% of winter bronchiolitis cases in young children is caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Scientists believe that all children will have been infected by the virus before the age of three. A third will develop lower respiratory tract infections, with half requiring hospitalization. In adults, the disease is marked by flu-like symptoms or even pneumonia, which may prove fatal in elderly or immunodeficient patients. Despite long-standing efforts by the scientific community, no human vaccine currently exists. RSV is a serious public health problem as it incurs numerous consultations and hospitalizations. Moreover, available treatment is fairly ineffectual. So, the research results of the scientists at Pasteur Institute, CNRS, INRA and University Paris-Sud 11 published in the November 27, 2009 issue of Science are cause for new hope. The researchers have revealed the three-dimensional structure of an RNA-protein complex in the virus. The structure sheds light on how the virus multiplies in infected cells. Researchers crystallized the protein/RNA complex to study how it works. By using extremely powerful X-rays generated by a synchrotron to examine the crystals and computer processing the data, they were able to build a high-resolution image of the structure of the complex. The detailed image shows how the nucleoproteins link 'arms' to form a chain along the RNA strand. Each nucleoprotein is made of two domains that clamp onto the RNA like tongs and that are separated by a flexible hinge. The scientists hypothesized that during viral multiplication, the tongs open to let the enzyme through, so that it can read the genetic information contained in the RNA sequence. As a result, viral RNA would be always protected inside the complex. The nucleoprotein's key role in virus multiplication makes it an ideal target for the development of drugs for the disease. Since the nucleoprotein must open up to provide access to genetic information, a molecule that would block the opening would be a treatment of choice. The molecules would interrupt virus replication and dissemination in the respiratory tract. The detailed image of its three-dimensional structure (patent pending) will help develop potential therapeutic agents by clearing the way for the creation of designer molecules that could inhibit viral replication.	>> Suivant << Précédent Version imprimable >> Transmettre cette info par email >> Recommander ce site à un collègue / ami >> S'abonner au eTech France >> FAQ / foire aux questions >> Conditions d'utilisation >>


	Pour en savoir plus, contacts :	- INRA/Jouy-en-Josas Center- Molecular Immunology and Virology Unit - Jean-François Eléouët - Phone: +33 (0)1 34 65 26 04 - email: jean-francois.eleouet@jouy.inra.fr - Pasteur Institute - Structural Virology Unit - Félix Rey - Phone: +33 (0)1 45 68 87 43 - email: rey@pasteur.fr	Code brève ADIT : 61472

	Rédacteur :	ADIT - Jean-François Desessard - email: jfd@adit.fr


	Origine :	eTech France numéro 235 (7/12/2009) - ADIT / ADIT - http://www.bulletins-electroniques.com/actualites/61472.htm

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