Bats may have co-opted viral proteins produced by Ebola for immune function

(Cell Press) Approximately 18 million years ago, genes encoding viral proteins 35 (VP35s) integrated into the genomes of Myotis (mouse-eared) bats. Produced by the highly deadly Ebola and Marburg viruses, VP35s suppress the host immune system and play a critical role in the efficient replication and virulence of these filoviruses. A study publishing July 24 in Cell Reports sheds light on the potential functional role of these so-called non-retroviral integrated RNA viral sequences (NIRVs) in bats.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news