New Research maps 3D atomic structure of paramyxovirus to aid antiviral drug development
For the first time, a U.S. scientific team has mapped the 3D
atomic structure of a key enzyme of paramyxovirus, which can help develop
antiviral drugs including anticoronavirus drugs. The research results were
recently published in the Journal of the American Academy of Sciences.
Paramyxoviruses are a class of viruses that include common
pathogens such as measles, mumps, human parainfluenza virus and respiratory syncytial
virus. Because they are also RNA (ribonucleic acid) viruses, paramyxoviruses
and coronaviruses behave similarly. Enzymes play an important role in the
assembly of RNA molecules and often become targets for antiviral drugs.
2D images of human parainfluenza virus 5 polymerase
Researchers at Northwestern University used cryo-electron
microscopy to look deep inside the molecule, captured hundreds of thousands of
2D images of human parainfluenza virus 5 polymerase, and used computer
algorithms to reconstruct the 3D atomic structure of the enzyme.
Studies have found that the enzyme is an irregular sphere
with a long tail consisting of four phosphoproteins. Research has also found
that the virus uses the same protein for genome replication and transcription.
Ttraditional methods of antiviral
drug development 'Luck'
Robert Lam, a professor of molecular biology sciences at
Northwestern University in the United States, said that traditional methods of
drug development are a bit "luck" and hope that drug candidates can
hit their targets. The 3D atomic structure of the key enzymes of the virus has
been clarified, which is expected to be targeted when designing drugs. "We
need more antiviral drugs to ensure that people can get treatment quickly when
they are infected."
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