Liquid chromatography used to analyse host proteins

Liquid chromatography has been used to analyse Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV).

Geared towards identifying host proteins arriving during viral infection, the JEV was injected into a hamster kidney, where cell cultures were then analysed.

Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to discover the host proteins and the researchers uncovered five in particular.

One of these, GRP78, was then investigated in greater detail and it was found that "a significant decrease in viral infectivity" occurred in mature viruses that did not co-fractionate with the protein.

"Our results support the hypothesis that JEV co-opts host cell GPR78 for use in viral maturation and in subsequent cellular infections," comments the Virology Journal.

Publishing manuscripts on virology research, the Virology Journal features articles on a range of subjects, from fungal and plant life infections to those affecting humans.

It also looks at methods of viral control, such as the use of vaccines and other prevention techniques.