December 2008

According to a recent study (Nature. 2008 Dec 18;456(7224):985-8), the H5N1 flu virus avoids natural cell defences by hiding bits of its genetic material that would normally trigger an infection alarm. Pieces of protein inside the virus form tube-like structures that obscure strands of viral RNA formed as host cells are attacked. The finding may explain why this strain of bird flu is so deadly in people, and could lead to drugs that will unmask the virus and let our natural defences do their job. Earlier research had shown that the so-called NS1 protein played a key role in H5N1's virulence. Images from a cryo-electron microscope revealed that the proteins (when "crystallised") interact to create tiny tubes, hiding the RNA (generated during infection) that would normally prompt the body's immune system activate. It is hoped that an NS1 "library" could be built once other NS1 structures from other influenza viruses have gone through the same process.

Content Updated (Tuesday, 6th January 2009)