New Arenavirus Info. (2003/2004)

• The zinc binding protein Z has a strong inhibitory activity on RNA synthesis mediated by the polymerase of the prototypic arenavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Cells transduced with a replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus expressing Z (rAd-Z) are resistant to LCMV and LFV infection. Virus cell entry mediated by LCMV or LFV GP was not affected in rAd-Z-transduced cells, but both virus transcription and replication were strongly and specifically inhibited, which resulted in a dramatic reduction in production of infectious virus. These findings open new avenues for developing antiviral strategies to combat the highly pathogenic human arenaviruses, including LFV.  
  • (J Virol. "Cells expressing the RING finger Z protein are resistant to arenavirus infection."2004 Mar;78(6):2979-83.)

• The intermediate Filament framework of host cells may play a role in the early stages of Junin virus replication.  The IF framework's integrity is a necessary condition for the normal replication of Junin virus in neural and fibroblast cells as well as in the Vero cell line. 
  • (Virus Research. "Intermediate filament integrity is required for Junin virus replication." 2003, Nov; 91(1):47-55)                                                                                                                                                                        

• The Z protein is sufficient to release envelope particles in the absence of all other viral proteins.
  • (J Virol. "Lassa virus Z protein is a matrix protein and sufficient for the release of virus-like particles."2003 Oct;77(19):10700-5.)

• Viruses that cause hemorrhagic fevers have been identified (by the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions) as  possible agents of bioterrorism.  This  has been concluded because of because large quantities of virus can be propagated in cell culture, they are transmissible as aerosols and, for the most part, there are only limited vaccine and pharmaceutical strategies for either prevention or treatment of established infection. 
  • (Drug Discovery Today. "Preventive and therapeutic approaches to viral agents of bioterrorism." 2003 Aug 15;8(16):740-5.)

• LCMV (Lymphocytic Choriomenegitis Virus) infection influences DC maturation and migration, leading to decreased T cell stimulatory capacity of dendritic cells, events essential for the initiation of immune responses.
  • (Current Topics Microbiological Immunology. "Infection of dendritic cells by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus." 2003;276:125-44.)

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