3-D Picture Reveals Attack Mechanism of Herpes Virus

About one out of six people 14 to 49 years of age have genital herpes. The infection is more common in women than in men and transmission typically occurs from an infected male to a female partner.

The herpes virus can result in everything from mild cold sores to serious illnesses like shingles or even cancer. The good news is that medical researchers are moving closer to understanding how the virus attacks the human body.

Using NMR (similar to an MRI), researchers have developed a 3-D model of a herpes virus protein interacting with human protein. Viruses can't survive or replicate on their own, so they attack a human cell to do so. The goal, say researchers is to outmaneuver the virus when it moves in for the attack.

The 3-D model reveals how the viral protein borrows the molecular components inside human cells, allowing the virus to replicate itself and spread the infection throughout the body. The enhanced imagery has allowed researchers to understand how viral and cellular proteins work together to coax the viral genetic material out of the cell's nucleus. The genetic material is then used to create the protein building blocks for new viruses.

The new imagery provides a greater understanding of how a particular viral infection works on a molecular level. Armed with this information, researchers hope to develop successful strategies to minimize the impact of infection.

For an added perspective, check out this video: