Chinese scientists have made significant breakthroughs in Ebola research by genetically modifying a virus to mimic Ebola infection.
The experiment has resulted in severe eye ulcers and the eventual death of an entire group of hamsters. Researchers hope that the new model will pave the way for advancements in understanding and treating Ebola-related eye disorders.
The Experiment: Vesicular Stomatitis Virus and Ebola Glycoprotein
(Photo : CDC from Unsplash)
This is an electron microscopic image of the 1976 isolate of Ebola virus. The internal structures of the filamentous particle are visible, including the nucleocapsid and other structural viral proteins, and the outer viral envelope is covered with surface projections. The characteristic “6-shape” of the virus is evident.
In this groundbreaking study, researchers used vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), typically found in livestock, and incorporated a part of the Ebola virus known as glycoprotein (GP). This glycoprotein facilitates the virus's entry and infection of cells.
When introduced to the hamsters, the modified virus caused all ten subjects-five males and five females, each up to three weeks old-to die within three days.
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Symptoms and Effects on Hamsters Similar to Ebola Patients
The hamsters exhibited symptoms akin to those seen in Ebola patients, including weight loss, multi-organ failure, severe eye inflammation, and ulcers.
As Interesting Engineering wrote in its report, the virus proliferated rapidly within their bodies, leading to high viral loads and swift mortality. Researchers observed that this model closely mimicked the disease progression in humans, making it a valuable tool for studying Ebola.
Potential for Future Research and Vaccine Testing
Scientists are optimistic that this new model could give their research a boost into deep-diving Ebola-related eye disorders.
"All animals died within 2-3 days after infection," noted the researchers, highlighting the model's potential for testing Ebola vaccines.
According to the scientists, the surrogate model allows for quick preclinical testing of Ebola virus countermeasures in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) conditions, which are less stringent and more accessible than the high-level BSL-4 facilities traditionally required for Ebola research.
A Safer, Cost-Effective Tool for Rapid Evaluation
The researchers emphasized the model's safety, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency. They explained that the model is considered ideal for rapid preclinical evaluation.
Hurdles in Ebola Research
Ebola virus, known for causing internal bleeding and tissue damage, spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated objects.
Due to the high level of biological security required for handling Ebola-typically BSL-4 facilities-research has been limited. The development of effective countermeasures has been hindered by the lack of suitable animal models that can be studied under less stringent conditions.
Insights from the Study
The study also provided valuable insights into the virus's impact on various organs.
Researchers found that the virus accumulated in critical tissues such as the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, intestines, and brain. The liver had the highest viral loads, while the brain had the lowest. This distribution pattern is crucial for understanding the virus's pathology and developing targeted treatments.
Lab Leak Involving the Virus
Rutgers University's chemical biologist Dr. Richard Ebright told DailyMail that a VSV-related lab leak could result in alarming public infection.
Ebola, caused by a group of viruses known as orthoebolaviruses, was first identified in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, there have been 29 outbreaks or case reports of Ebola virus disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that the 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa was the largest and most complex, with 28,646 reported cases and 11,323 deaths.
The findings of this research, published in Science Direct, represent a step forward in Ebola research. By providing a safer, more accessible model for studying Ebola-related eye disorders, scientists are now better equipped to develop effective countermeasures and vaccines. This innovative approach could ultimately lead to improved treatments and a greater understanding of one of the world's most lethal viruses.
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