Researchers from the University of Liverpool, in collaboration with Public Health England, have investigated new ways to identify drugs that could be used to treat Ebola virus infection. The scientists looked at what proteins inside a cell are critical for the functions of Ebola virus and are hijacked by the virus to help with infection. One of the proteins they have targeted is known as VP24. This protein disrupts signaling in infected human cells and disrupts the body’s immune system and the fight against the virus. Once the team identified these cellular proteins they were able to find out whether any drugs were already in existence that could block the function of the particular protein. One such drug identified was ouabain, which can be used in the treatment of heart disease. Administering this drug reduced Ebola virus replication in treated cells. The study was led by Professor Julian Hiscox from the University’s Institute of Infection and Global Health and Professor Roger Hewson at Public Health England (PHE). Disrupting cellular proteins important for viruses also has the potential to tackle the problem of resistance to medication. Professor Hiscox said: “This study shows how existing therapeutics can be identified and potentially repurposed for anti-viral therapy. The technique of using existing and tested drugs for a different purpose can save considerable time and ultimately, lives.” Disrupting cellular proteins important for viruses also has the potential to tackle the problem of resistance to medication. Because the cellular proteins are effectively evolutionarily static, the virus won’t be able to adapt to defeat it – as is increasingly the case with treatment by anti-virals used against viral proteins such as is seen with influenza virus and HIV infection. The study, which also involved Dr.Login Or Register To Read Full Story