According to a study published in the March 22 issue of the Open Access Journal PLoS Pathogens, enzymes and biochemical compounds called lipids that are targeted and altered during infection by the dengue virus have been identified by a team of researchers from Purdue University. The findings indicate a potential new approach to control the virus.

In addition, the team’s findings indicate that drugs used to treat other lipid-related conditions, such as high cholesterol might prevent the virus from replicating and could be used as a potential new treatment. The team discovered how infected mosquito cells alter certain lipids in membranes and in biochemical sensors that warn cells of invading viruses.

Rushika Perera, a research scientist at Purdue University, said:

“The virus reorganizes the internal architecture of the cell to support its own needs. Many details are unknown. This is our first attempt to understand how the virus alters lipids as part of the infection process. Part of what we looked at in this work was how the virus changes the cell, and the next step will be to figure out why.”

The team gained new insight into how the virus changes lipids in membranes surrounding structures inside cells called organelles, including the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Mitochondria are the cell’s power generators while the endoplasmic reticulum is responsible for the production of proteins and lipids.

Richard J. Kuhn, a professor and head of Purdue University’s Department of Biological Sciences, explained:

“Findings also show that important host enzymes are used by the virus and may be targets for future antiviral drugs. It turns out the pills you take to control your cholesterol might have some capability to control dengue.”

The study was conducted by Perera in collaboration with researchers at Purdue’s Bindley Bioscience Center and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Findings from the study could apply to viruses similar to dengue, including the hepatitis C, West Nile virus, and yellow fever.

Dengue is believed to be one of the most aggressive mosquito-borne human pathogens worldwide and is responsible for 50 million to 100 million infections each year. In some Latin American and Asian countries, dengue is a leading cause of severe illness and death among children.

Written by Grace Rattue