Author: Aldiyarbek Nurlan
Editor: Merentsova Anastasia
Usually, the immune system needs to recognize the virus in order to attack it and prevent infection. However, the hepatitis C virus is a master of disguise. It travels in exosomes.
A new study has shown that hepatitis C viruses interact with a key region of the RTN3 protein, using it to insert their viral RNA into exosomes. The authors were the first to demonstrate the exosomal role that this protein plays in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C. By identifying the regions of the protein that lead to the formation of an infectious exosome, researchers can look for distinctive molecules that block interactions with viral RNA. This will prevent the viral RNA from entering the exosomes and possibly hiding from the body's immune system.
The discovery of this interaction between the virus and the RTN3 protein opens the door for additional research on other viruses that use exosomes. For example, HIV, Zika and hepatitis B viruses also hide inside exosomes. This masking poses a problem for the optimal functioning of vaccines because even if antibodies are produced, they cannot block viral infection or transmission. "If the RTN3 protein also plays an important role in other diseases, it could help us develop more effective treatments and possibly more effective vaccines," the researchers noted.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201022144532.htm
