Scientists from the Institute of Natural Chemistry and Biochemistry in Prague have deciphered the construction of the protein methyltransferase from the monkeypox virus. It’s with the assistance of this protein that the virus escapes human immunity and causes the monkeypox illness. Based mostly on this discovery, they’ve ready substances that may block the perform of methyltransferase. The outcomes of this analysis could represent step one in direction of creating a totally new group of antivirals. This is applicable not solely to monkeypox, but additionally to ailments brought on by different viruses, together with COVID-19 induced by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

An article on the outcomes of the work of the scientific teams led by Dr Evžen Bouřa and Dr Radim Nencka has now been printed in Nature Communications. Each groups have for a few years been finding out viruses that trigger severe ailments. Up to now, they targeted on the Zika virus from the flavivirus group or the SARS-CoV-2 virus from the coronavirus group.

Like different viruses, the monkeypox virus multiplies in a bunch cell. For it to defend itself towards exterior assault, it wants to acknowledge which RNA molecules are its personal and which aren’t. ‘Native RNA molecules carry a particular marker known as a cap for simpler recognition. An unmarked molecule triggers an innate antiviral immunity response in contaminated cells. Subsequently, viruses attempt to deceive the human physique and, for instance, the monkeypox virus confuses it by additionally including a cap to its RNA,’ explains Evžen Bouřa.

The signs of monkeypox resemble these of smallpox, a illness that has already been eradicated. Till just lately, the virus inflicting it was discovered solely in Central and Western Africa. Its pure reservoirs reside in rodents and primates. In people it could trigger a illness with an estimated mortality price of three to 6 %. Whereas that is lower than within the case of smallpox, it’s a lot larger than, for instance, with COVID-19. Just lately, the monkeypox virus has unfold worldwide, so it’s no marvel that not solely consultants, but additionally the overall inhabitants and public authorities are nervously watching the specter of one other world viral pandemic. ‘Our colleagues completely mix structural biology and cutting-edge medicinal chemistry. Due to that, we’re nearer to discovering new antivirals,’ says Prof. Jan Konvalinka, the director of IOCB Prague.