One protein key to Ebola prevention

Laboratory scientists have discovered that a single protein holds the key to the Ebola virus infection which could help with future drug development.

Research by army scientists and collaborators at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) and published in the journal Nature found that the cellular protein known as Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) may be used by the Ebola virus to enter cells.

Ebola is one of the world's deadliest viruses and causes a hemorrhagic fever, with fatality rates as high as 90 per cent in humans.

There is no current vaccine or therapy as, until now, little was known about how the virus infects cells.

Two separate teams found that if cells do not make NPC1 they cannot be infected by the Ebola virus.

Dr John M Dye lead USAMRIID scientist in one of the studies said that the fact NPC1 had been identified by two teams was important.

"This independent corroboration greatly increases our confidence in the findings," he said.