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Current opinion in virology2012; 2(3); 242-247; doi: 10.1016/j.coviro.2012.03.006

Hendra and Nipah viruses: why are they so deadly?

Abstract: Henipavirus, including Hendra and Nipah viruses, is a group of emerging bat-borne paramyxoviruses which were responsible for severe disease outbreaks in humans, horses and pigs. The mortality rate of human infection varies between 50 and 100%, making them one of the most deadly viruses known to infect humans. Its use of highly conserved cell surface molecules (ephrin) as entry receptors and its highly effective replication and fusion strategies are believed to be important characteristics responsible for its high pathogenicity. Henipavirus also encodes multiple accessory proteins which play a key role in evasion of host innate immune responses. Our recent study on the mechanism of IFN antagonism by henipaviruses indicated that a better understanding of the virus-host interaction provides great potential to develop new therapeutic strategies against these viruses.
Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2012-04-05 PubMed ID: 22483665DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2012.03.006Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article focuses on Henipaviruses, particularly Hendra and Nipah viruses, detailing their high mortality rate and discussing potential factors for their deadly nature, such as their usage of highly conserved surface molecules and their effective replication strategies.

Hendra and Nipah Viruses

  • Henipavirus, which includes both Hendra and Nipah viruses, are emerging pathogens that are primarily carried by bats. These viruses have been responsible for severe disease outbreaks in humans, horses, and pigs, prompting critical concern due to their high mortality rates.
  • The severity of these infections in humans is highlighted by the mortality rate, which ranges between 50-100%. This makes the Hendra and Nipah viruses among the most lethal viruses known to infect humans.

Characteristics of Henipaviruses

  • The study states these viruses utilize highly conserved cell surface molecules, known as ephrin, as entry receptors. This permits the viruses to enter host organisms easily and may contribute to their highly pathogenic nature.
  • Another notable characteristic of the Henipaviruses, according to the study, is their highly effective replication and fusion strategies. These strategies enable the viruses to multiply and spread within host organisms rapidly, potentially enhancing their lethal nature.
  • Hendra and Nipah viruses also encode multiple accessory proteins which aid in evading the host organism’s innate immune responses, enabling them to proliferate with less opposition from the host’s immune system.

Potential Therapeutic Strategies

  • An important aspect of the study was the exploration of potential therapeutic strategies against the Henipaviruses. This investigation was based on a deeper understanding of the interaction between the virus and its host.
  • The researchers specifically studied the mechanism of Interferon (IFN) antagonism by the viruses. IFN is a protein produced by host cells in response to viral infection, and it typically inhibits the spread of viruses. Understanding how Henipaviruses antagonize IFN might unlock new avenues for therapy.
  • Through a deeper insight into this mechanism, the researchers believe there’s significant potential to develop new therapeutic strategies to combat these deadly viruses.

Cite This Article

APA
Marsh GA, Wang LF. (2012). Hendra and Nipah viruses: why are they so deadly? Curr Opin Virol, 2(3), 242-247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coviro.2012.03.006

Publication

Current opinion in virology
ISSN: 1879-6265
NlmUniqueID: 101560941
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 2
Issue: 3
Pages: 242-247

Researcher Affiliations

Marsh, Glenn A
  • CSIRO Livestock Industries, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia. glenn.marsh@csiro.au
Wang, Lin-Fa

    MeSH Terms

    • Hendra Virus / pathogenicity
    • Henipavirus Infections / epidemiology
    • Henipavirus Infections / mortality
    • Henipavirus Infections / virology
    • Host-Pathogen Interactions
    • Humans
    • Immune Evasion
    • Nipah Virus / pathogenicity
    • Virulence
    • Virulence Factors / metabolism

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