These so-called virosomes bind antibodies directed against the Ebola virus. They could thus prevent the antibody response from fighting the infection. In addition, the virosomes suppress the release of cytokines and chemokines by macrophages. Macrophages are immune cells that release messenger substances and thus coordinate the body's immune defense against viruses.
Immunizing with virosomes
In addition to the importance of the findings for basic research, potential applications also arise from the newly discovered properties of virosomes. "The virosomes apparently carry a functionally intact Ebola coat protein on their surface, but are not otherwise infectious," explains Prof. Stefan Pöhlmann, co-author of the study and head of the Infection Biology Unit at the German Primate Centre. "This makes virosomes attractive candidates for the development of a vaccine".
In further experiments, the researchers now want to investigate whether other hemorrhagic fever viruses also release virosomes and whether these can be used to produce vaccines.
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