How the Lengya virus enters human cells

New findings shed light on how the highly infectious Lengya virus, which has recently transferred from animals to people, is able to enter human cells.

Ariel Isaacs and Yu Shang Low of the University of Queensland have uncovered the structure of the fusion protein of Langya virus, which was discovered in people in eastern China in August 2022.

Isaacs says the virus caused fever and severe respiratory symptoms and was from the same class of viruses as the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses.

“We’re at an important juncture with viruses from the Henipavirus genus, as we can expect more spill over events from animals to people,” Isaacs says. “It’s important we understand the inner workings of these emerging viruses, which is where our work comes in.”

The team used molecular clamp technology to hold the fusion protein of the Langya virus in place to uncover the atomic structure using cryogenic electron microscopy at the university’s Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis.

“Understanding the structure and how it enters cells is a critical step towards developing vaccines and treatments to combat Henipavirus infections,” says Isaacs. “There are currently no treatments or vaccines for them, and they have the potential to cause a widespread outbreak.”

Associate professor Daniel Watterson, a senior researcher on the project, says they also saw that the Langya virus fusion protein structure is similar to the deadly Hendra virus, which first emerged in southeast Queensland in 1994.

“These are viruses that can cause severe disease and have the potential to get out of control if we’re not properly prepared,” Watterson says. “We saw with COVID-19 how unprepared the world was for a widespread viral outbreak and we want to be better equipped for the next outbreak.”

The researchers will now work to develop broad-spectrum human vaccines and treatments for Henipaviruses, such as Langya, Nipah, and Hendra.

The research appears Nature Communications. Support came from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, the Queensland and Australian governments, and philanthropic partners.

Source: University of Queensland