Scientists identify cellular control points to tackle multiple viruses

Researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have made significant progress in understanding how the common cold virus, specifically HCoV-229E, infects human cells. They identified crucial cellular checkpoints that the virus targets to replicate. Published on September 12 in the Journal of Proteome Research, the study aims to devise methods to enhance the body’s defenses against various viruses, including coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2, rather than solely focusing on direct antiviral drugs.

Led by biochemists John Melchior and Amy Sims, the research proposes a strategy that manipulates host cellular functions to prevent viral replication. By blocking molecular assemblies used by viruses, the team observed a reduction in viral activity in lung cells. Their findings highlight two key targets: Nop-56, which helps identify legitimate RNA strands for protein production, and the spliceosome C-complex, which is essential for RNA editing.

The PNNL team is currently evaluating existing antiviral compounds and employing artificial intelligence to identify new candidates that may interfere with these molecular targets. The research received funding from PNNL’s Predictive Phenomics Initiative, which seeks to understand how various factors, beyond genetics, influence biological traits.