Ebola is a virus that affects humans and causes high death rates. It is highly contagious and resists many current treatments.
Researchers are studying how Ebola replicates and spreads. The “viral factories” it uses to reproduce in the human body are now better understood. This breakthrough may hold the key to new treatments and could one day help eliminate Ebola.
What is Ebola?
Ebola is a virus disease that spreads between humans and animals. Almost every year, outbreaks of Ebola cause death rates as high as 90%.
Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe identified Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976. The virus is ancient and likely mutated from other viruses thousands of years ago. Most outbreaks have been in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ebola spreads through contact with infected body fluids. Caregivers and medical workers can get infected if they don’t use proper protection. Ebola symptoms show up between 2 and 21 days after contact, with an average of 8 to 10 days.
Further treatment options for Ebola warrant exploration. There is only one FDA-approved vaccine for one of the five Ebola species. Current antibody treatments may not always reach areas of the body where the virus hides, like the brain, eyes, and reproductive organs.
What is a “Viral Factory”?
A “viral factory” is a structure created by viruses inside host cells. Viral proteins, genomes, and other virus parts gather in these factories. This is where viruses copy their RNA and assemble new particles. Many viruses do this, including rabies, measles, and Ebola.
In the 1960s, researchers uncovered viral factories in animal cells infected with viruses. At the time, they didn’t know what these fuzzy spots in the middle of cellular proteins were. Research published last year showed that these spots protect viral RNA production.
Recent studies have explained the physical traits of viral factories. These structures lack membranes, allowing viral components to move freely. An enzyme called L polymerase copies the virus’s RNA. When RNA binds to this enzyme, it bends, which starts the copying process.
How do Viral Factories Contribute to Ebola Infection and Spread?
When Ebola first infects a person, the host’s proteins try to protect against the virus. But, as the infection progresses, Ebola’s polymerase takes over the defense proteins. This leaves the host defenseless, as the virus turns the host’s cells into viral RNA.
As the illness progresses, viral factories become tight and cylindrical. These cylinders line up and form bundles. Viral factories use these bundles to spread the virus and further the infection.
What New Ebola Treatments Could Emerge from Knowledge of Viral Factories?
Learning about viral factories has shown how Ebola uses host materials to spread. New treatments could target one of the proteins Ebola hijacks from the host. This protein, called GSPT1, is vulnerable to a small molecule called CC-9009. By targeting GSPT1, CC-9009 stops the virus from reproducing.
Recent studies suggest that the liver is an important organ for viral factories. Drugs that target GSPT1 in infected liver cells slow the virus’ RNA production. This proves that the liver plays a central role in Ebola reproduction.
Scientists have also identified fruit bats as the possible primary host for Ebola in mammals. Some captured bats had Ebola material in them but did not show any symptoms. Fruit bats may have strong defenses against the virus, which could inspire future treatments.
In September, researchers captured the first clear images of Ebola’s structure. With better knowledge of its form, new treatments might one day eliminate the virus.
With these advancements, the fight against Ebola is stronger than ever.
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Logan Hamilton is a freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
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