Researchers explain how viral protein promotes deadly virus infections

Researchers have identified how a viral protein, which plays a major role in causing deadly Nipah and Hendra virus infections, targets a critical function in human cells to suppress immune responses and promote fatal disease. The research team found the viral protein, called W protein, binds to two specific proteins in the host cell, importin α3 and importin α4, allowing it to move into the nucleus of cells. This allows the protein to disable defenses that protect cells from infection and promote growth of Nipah and Hendra viruses. The findings are published in the journal Nature Communications. Nipah and Hendra viruses, closely related zoonotic pathogens that come from animal sources, are highly lethal in humans. Old World fruit bats are the source of both viruses in nature. Hendra virus infections have been identified in Australia, mostly in veterinarians who were caring for horses. Scientists believe the virus passed from bats to horses, and...