A Novel System for Identifying Inhibitors of Rift Valley Fever Virus Replication
Author Information
Author(s): Piper Mary E., Gerrard Sonja R.
Primary Institution: University of Michigan
Hypothesis
Can a T7-dependent system be developed for the efficient production of RVFV-like particles to study viral replication and screen for inhibitors?
Conclusion
The developed RVF-VLP system is effective for screening small molecule inhibitors of Rift Valley fever virus replication.
Supporting Evidence
- RVF-VLPs are antigenically indistinguishable from authentic RVFV.
- Chemical inhibitors of RVFV replication also inhibit RVF-VLPs.
- The RVF-VLP system allows for high-throughput screening of antiviral compounds.
Takeaway
Researchers created a new way to make virus-like particles that can help find medicines to stop Rift Valley fever virus from spreading.
Methodology
A T7 RNA polymerase-dependent system was used to produce RVF-VLPs, which were then tested for their ability to replicate and respond to chemical inhibitors.
Limitations
The RVF-VLPs are capable of only a single round of infection and lack the full complement of genomic segments.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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