Researchers identify potential enterovirus drug target

A study has discovered a key mechanism involved in successful enterovirus infection which promotes genome release. The researchers say their findings could yield targets for therapeutic development.

The research was conducted by a team from the Nanoscience Center at the University of Jyväskylä and at the University of Helsinki, both Finland.

Using real-time uncoating measurements and high-resolution structures, the scientists discovered that a molecule found in serum and interstitial fluids known as albumin and an ion composition typically developed in cellular vesicles both trigger an expansion of the virus’ outer layer.

The expanded virus then allows small molecules such as ions to enter. The researchers conclude that before entering cells, albumin primes the virus to form a metastable yet infectious intermediate particle. Ionic changes that are likely to occur in cellular vesicles further contribute to opening and promote release of the genome.

These are enteroviruses in electron microscope. Albumin helps enteroviruses to open (credit: University of Helsinki and University of Jyväskyla/Visa Ruokolainen and Ausra Domaska).

“The successful release of the genome is one of the rate-limiting steps in virus infection. It needs to occur in the right place in the right time to ensure efficient infection. This work provides new insight into understanding this fundamental aspect of enterovirus life cycle and may yield targets for therapeutic development,” said Varpu Marjomäki from the University of Jyväskylä.

The findings were published in the Journal of Virology.