[ad_1]
NEW YORK, April 9 – A new study published in the Journal of Medical chemistry details a promising method for treating Zika virus.
Transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, the Zika virus has become a global health problem and is particularly dangerous for the brain development of a fetus contracted by a pregnant woman. There is currently no treatment specifically targeting Zika.
Scientists at New York University's Advanced Scientific Research Center (ASRC) have developed powerful molecules "more potent than anything currently used against Zika," said Adam Braunschweig, a professor at the University of New York. chemistry at the CURC, who led the study.
All viruses and nucleus cells, including plant and animal cells, have carbohydrates attached to their surface, which act as markers and help the cells to recognize each other. It's the same process that allows viruses to enter these cells.
To block this interaction, researchers created synthetic carbohydrate receptors based on the natural receptor process and tested their anti-Zika abilities in two distinct cell types. In both cases, the receptor prevented the virus from entering cells: either by attaching itself to carbohydrates on the surface of the cell, or by attaching itself to those of the virus.
In addition to the potential for Zika virus treatment, the synthetic receptor approach could also be used to develop cancer, antiparasitic and antibacterial treatments, according to the study. The next step in the search for an effective treatment against Zika will be to create a second generation on the model of the molecules described in this research, modifying their structure to make them even more effective. The team hopes to eventually test the therapeutic potential of these molecules when testing on animals. – AFP-Relaxnews
Source link
