Elucidation of the 3D structure of Chikungunya virus
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 14:00
in Biology & Nature
French researchers at the Pasteur Institute and the CNRS, in collaboration with the Synchrotron SOLEIL, have solved the three-dimensional structures of the glycoproteins that envelop the chikungunya virus. This discovery allows us to understand how this protein complex is activated in order to allow the virus to invade target cells. Activation is a key step in the viral life cycle, and its elucidation provides essential information for the development of antiviral strategies, for prevention and treatment.