Researchers at IBM’s Institute of Bioengineering and
Nanotechnology in Singapore have begun research into a new molecular technology
that could serve as a near universal method for viral treatment. Due to the general variation within viruses,
this treatment focuses on something that is found in a higher percentage of
viruses, in this case, the targets are glycoproteins. These glycoproteins are one of the keys in
the ability of a virus to enter host cell and proceed with replication, so the
researchers determined that this could be a viable option for treatment or
prevention. These observations resulted
in the researchers synthesizing a bio-macromolecule that targets viruses based
on the glycoproteins rather than the genetics of specific viruses; this
development could provide promising breakthroughs in not only the treatment of
viruses, but also the curing. The
molecule is said to work based upon two different factors, the first being the
ability of the molecule to use variations in electrostatic charge to draw
viruses to bond thus halting the virus from entering potential host cells and
after bonding the molecule decreases the pH of the pathogen effectively
lowering its replicative ability. The
second factor of the molecule is the ability of the molecule to protect the
immune system, specifically its cells, by dispersing a sugar called mannose
which bonds to said cells and aids in resistance to infection. This technology has currently been tested to
work upon Dengue and Ebola with promising results, and awaits further testing
and trials before it will come close to human usage.
-Ethan Wentworth
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