Targeted molecular interventions in the replication cycle and the immune recognition of viruses are intended to prevent viral entry into cells and virus replication. That is the goal of an international research project in which scientists work on new approaches to combating highly dangerous viral diseases such as yellow fever or Lassa fever. Coordinating the project is Prof. Dr Christian Klein from the Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology at Heidelberg University. Ten universities and research institutions from all over Europe are participating in the research studies, including Heidelberg University Hospital. The European Union is supporting the project over a period of five years to the tune of just under eight million euros.
The EU project “Molecular Strategies against Viral Entry and Glycan Shielding” (SHIELD) focuses on viral pathogens that are extremely dangerous for humans, namely those from the genera of flavivirus, mammarenavirus and henipavirus. In order to prevent viral cell entry and virus replication, entry inhibitors are to be employed in the replication cycle. “In this way, at the molecular level, we want to interrupt the processes by which viruses penetrate a potential host cell and replicate there,” says Prof. Klein, head of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry at the Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology. The scientists also want to look into the ability of viral pathogens to evade the body’s own immune response. An accumulation of sugar chains on the cell surface plays a key role with certain viruses. These glycans influence whether the immune system is