How a virus becomes chronic

(CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences) Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is an important model system for chronic viral infections; two Nobel prizes were awarded for its exploration. However, the molecular interactions during the LCMV life cycle were hitherto poorly understood. In a new study, CeMM scientists revealed the comprehensive set of cellular proteins physically interacting with LCMV polymerase -- a key enzyme for the development of a chronic infection. The results are a valuable contribution for the development of future antiviral therapeutics.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news