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10 Jul 2008
Scientists looking for ways to keep the virus responsible for the flu at bay may not have to attack it directly, according to new research.
Instead, researchers at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have found that they could reduce infection by targeting one of over 100 proteins inside the infected cells on which the virus depends.
Viruses are genetically very simple and rely on the protein machinery of their host's cells.
Following trials on fruit flies, Paul Ahlquist and Yoshihiro Kawaoka believe it is possible to suppress the virus and slow down its evolution and development of resistance.
"So far, antiviral treatments against influenza have targeted specific viral enzymes or functions," said Mr Ahlquist.
"The problem has been that the virus can mutate itself to develop resistance to these drugs."
He added: "Our hope is that by identifying host functions on which the influenza virus depends, we can develop drugs that target these functions."
It is hoped that with this new method of treatment, the flu virus will be unable to develop drug resistance.
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