Scientists are unlocking the mystery of how viruses recognize their host cells

Cognition could lead to new therapies in the future

Certainly, most people are aware that viruses can cause all kinds of diseases. For this, however, the viruses must first penetrate into the interior of the human cells. Researchers have now discovered how viruses are able to recognize the so-called membrane surfaces of their host cells. The results of the investigation may allow new therapies to be developed in the future.

The scientists of the Georg-August-University Göttingen were able to determine in a recent study how viruses recognize the membrane surfaces of their host cells. Based on the study results, new forms of treatment could be developed to protect cells from virus ingress. The experts published a press release on the results of their study.

The knowledge about viruses and bacteria as well as their control enabled, for example, vaccination programs, by which many diseases could be almost eradicated. Researchers now discovered how viruses can recognize certain host cells. (Image: bluedesign / fotolia.com)

Detection mechanism of viruses has been decrypted

The research team decoded the detection mechanism of viruses with the participation of the University of Göttingen. With the help of this mechanism, the viruses can invade human cells and make us sick. By elucidating the molecular puzzle, new therapies could be developed in the near future, preventing, for example, epidemics such as Zika and Dengue fever.

Viruses must invade host cells to multiply

Viruses are unable to duplicate their genetic material themselves. For this, the viruses have to invade so-called host cells. So far, however, the question arose how viruses recognize these host cells. The research team of the Institut Pasteur in Paris and the Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB) found in a joint study that viruses are able to detect suitable host cells based on the composition of the cell membrane.

Viruses use fusion proteins to dock with cells

The cell surface consists of a mobile layer of fat molecules (lipids). These show each with their so-called head group to the outside. When viruses try to recognize lipids and then dock on them, they use a kind of connector. As this function fusion proteins on the outer shell of viruses.

Insect-borne viruses have Class II fusion proteins

There are some viruses that can be transmitted by insects. These include, for example, the triggers of the dangerous Zika, dengue and yellow fever. All of these viruses have Class II fusion proteins with a very similar molecular structure. For this reason, all of these viruses use the same mechanism for identification of host cells and subsequent intrusion.

Physicians investigate the fusion protein Gc of Rift valley fever virus

The research team analyzed the fusion protein Gc of Rift valley fever virus as an example of class II viruses. The so-called Rift valley fever is a disease that occurs especially in Africa in ruminants. "In our computer, we were able to simulate how the Gc protein binds the lipid head groups and thus anchors them to the host cell," explains GZMB group leader Dr. med. Jochen Hub in the press release.

Study could only be done with the help of high performance computers

"The simulations required months of computational effort on high-performance computers, but this allows us to understand the molecular-level recognition mechanism for membranes at the molecular level," adds the expert. The results found in the study are very important, because they do not only affect the so-called Rift valley fever. With the help of the new findings, it will be possible in the future to develop effective drugs. These could then block the binding site for lipids and thus prevent possible infections with the viruses mentioned above, the scientists claim. (As)