NTU-engineered peptide which exploits the Achilles’ heel of the Zika virus
We are pleased to share that the research conducted by Associate Professor Cho Nam-Joon and his team has been featured on various media platforms. The joint effort with researchers from Brazil and Belgium resulted in a form of therapeutic treatment – an antiviral peptide which can potentially stop the Zika virus infection. The peptide can also be used to address viral infections in the brain.
The mechanism is through attacking the viral membrane by puncturing holes which will cause rupture. This new method focuses on directly stopping the Zika virus particles rather than preventing the replication of new virus particles and can potentially work against a wide range of membrane-enveloped viruses.
The research team has published their findings in the peer-reviewed journal, Nature Materials. The breakthrough could lead to the development of novel antiviral drugs for other blood infections, such as dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya.
Associate Professor Cho Nam-Joon with the antiviral peptide
Video: https://www.facebook.com/NTUsg/videos/342056506367436/
Media Coverage
The Straits Times
Lianhe Zaobao
Shin Min Daily News
Xinhua
Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News
Phys.org
Science Daily
Scienmag
Medicalnewser.com
Our heartiest congratulations to Prof Cho and his team for their excellent achievement!
