Scientists have begun to understand the inner workings of the Ebola virus, which releases a protein that does not allow the human body's immune system to intensify and fight back.

The body's first reaction to a viral infection is to release is to make and release signaling proteins called interferons which amplify the immune system's response to viruses.

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While a number of diseases have evolved over the years to counteract or overcome interferons, the Ebola virus contains a unique mechanism that defeats the attempts of interferon to block viral reproduction in infected cells.

Scientists from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and other researchers have dubbed the protein "Ebola Viral Protein (eVP24)."

With the body unable to fight back against the infection, the Ebola virus then mass produces itself until it becomes too much for the organs to handle. Death eventually results.

The current study focused on innate immunity, the part of the body's defense system that fights infections. It is a mix of proteins and cells that quickly recognize a virus invasion.

The early response to a viral infection must be triggered by interferons that must pass on their signal to other cells.

eVP24, however, binds to the transport proteins called karyopherins and interferes with the process eventually causing the Ebola Virus Disease.

The understanding of how the Ebola virus could potentially help guide drug development.

"These newfound details of Ebola biology are already serving as the foundation of a new drug development effort, albeit in its earliest stages," said Dr. Christopher Basler PhD, a fellow researcher in the in Mount Sinai Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute.

Dr. Basler goes on to describe how it might be possible to find an antibody that will interfere with eVP24.

"We feel the urgency of the present situation, but still must do the careful research to ensure that any early drug candidates against the Ebola virus are proven to be safe, effective and ready for use in future outbreaks," said Dr. Basler.

TagsEbola Virus