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Crystal structure of human enterovirus 71
Pavel Plevka1, Rushika Perera, Jane Cardosa
1Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|March 3, 2012
Summary
Enterovirus 71 causes fatal neurological illness. Its crystal structure reveals a partly exposed pocket factor, suggesting antiviral drugs need specific hydrophilic head groups for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Structural Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a picornavirus linked to severe neurological disease in children.
- Understanding EV71's structure is crucial for developing targeted antiviral therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the crystal structure of Enterovirus 71.
- To identify structural features that could be targeted by antiviral compounds.
Main Methods:
- X-ray crystallography was used to resolve the three-dimensional structure of Enterovirus 71.
Main Results:
- The crystal structure of EV71 was determined.
- Unlike other enteroviruses, the pocket factor in EV71 is partially exposed at the canyon floor.
- This unique structural feature suggests a specific binding site for potential drugs.
Conclusions:
- The exposed pocket factor in EV71 presents a novel target for antiviral drug design.
- Antiviral compounds may require hydrophilic head groups to interact with residues at the pocket entrance for efficacy against EV71.
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