Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
High-throughput Screening for Broad-spectrum Chemical Inhibitors of RNA Viruses
Published on: May 5, 2014
Novel reporter constructs to accelerate antiviral and therapeutic discovery for Enterovirus-A71
William Bakhache1, Ann Shen1, Walker Symonds-Orr1
1Quantitative Virology and Evolution Unit, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA.
Abstract:
Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is an important human pathogen and 'prototype pathogen' for studies of other Enteroviruses of pandemic potential. Understanding the biology of EV-A71 would inform generalizable strategies for antiviral drug, vaccine, and monoclonal antibody development. Such studies are accelerated by robust reagents to evaluate efficacy. Here, we describe and evaluate a suite of synthetic reporter constructs to accelerate EV-A71 research and therapeutic discovery. These constructs include replicons and infectious clones carrying luminescent and fluorescent reporter proteins. Among the reporters we tested were shorter luminescent and de novo-designed synthetic fluorescent proteins, which enhance genetic stability, reduce reporter gene loss and improve the utility of these reporters. This toolbox provides free access to robust and flexible assays for EV-A71 infection and replication through public repositories, promoting and accelerating open scientific discovery for this understudied emerging pathogen.
Insights
New synthetic reporter constructs accelerate Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) research and therapeutic discovery. These tools enhance genetic stability and provide robust assays for EV-A71 infection and replication.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is a significant human pathogen with pandemic potential.
- Understanding EV-A71 biology is crucial for developing antivirals, vaccines, and antibodies.
- Robust reagents are needed to efficiently evaluate therapeutic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and evaluate synthetic reporter constructs for accelerating EV-A71 research.
- To develop tools for enhanced study of EV-A71 infection and replication.
- To facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutics against EV-A71.
Main Methods:
- Development of synthetic replicons and infectious clones of EV-A71.
- Incorporation of luminescent and fluorescent reporter proteins into constructs.
- Evaluation of reporter construct genetic stability and utility, including novel synthetic fluorescent proteins.
Main Results:
- A suite of synthetic reporter constructs for EV-A71 was successfully developed and evaluated.
- Shorter luminescent and de novo-designed synthetic fluorescent proteins improved genetic stability and reduced reporter gene loss.
- The developed constructs provide robust and flexible assays for EV-A71 studies.
Conclusions:
- The synthetic reporter toolbox accelerates EV-A71 research and therapeutic discovery.
- These reagents offer enhanced utility for studying EV-A71 infection and replication.
- Free public access to these tools promotes open scientific discovery for this emerging pathogen.
