Pox virus proteins analysed

Quantitative analysis processes have been used to investigate the proteins involved in pox virus infections.

Although smallpox has been eradicated following a successful World Health Organisation vaccination programme, there is still a considerable threat posed by pox viruses, not least those of bioterrorism.

In a study published by Virology Journal, the team used 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and a mass spectrometry method in a bottom-up approach to find that more than 24 human proteins were modulated by the viral infection.

UV-inactivated and infectious viruses on the hosts were similar, suggesting that these may be attributed to virus entry and virion proteins.

The modulation of proteins involved in apoptosis was also correlated to infectious viruses.

Following the findings, the team suggested that many of the proteins identified had not been linked to pox virus infections before.

For this reason, further study is needed to identify their meaning for apoptosis modulation and pathogenesis.