New target for H5N1 antiviral drugs
18 August 2006
Until recently, scientists thought the molecular structure of bird-flu virus H5N1 was similar to that of other strains. But new research published in the journal Nature has taken a closer look at one of the proteins that coat the virus - neuraminidase - and has found it can form two distinct shapes.
This knowledge could be crucial when it comes to targeting new drugs, because the H5N1 neuraminidase shape suggests the deadly virus could have a weak spot.
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This is a computer drawing of neuraminidase. Until now, scientists thought all neuraminidase types were similar to this shape.
Image: John Skehel |
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