Canberra, Monday 27 August 2001

Canberra research: A key in the fight against Ross River Virus

Scientists researching the debilitating Ross River Virus at The Australian National University and The University of Canberra have made a breakthrough discovery which has unravelled the infection mechanism of Ross River virus. The exciting new work may also provide insights into infection by life-threatening viruses like HIV and Dengue.

Researchers have found the Ross River Virus (RRV), uses an ingenious trick to make it's way into cells and infect them. "RRV fools the cell by entering together with antibodies, successfully avoiding specific antiviral pathways, " scientist at the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Dr Surendran Mahalingam said. " The cell does not recognise the invading infection as a threat, the virus can sabotage the molecular responses created to fight it."

Most people who have been exposed to a virus develop antibodies which help protect them. While antibodies can be beneficial for fighting RRV infection, under some biological circumstances antibodies can promote infection. Researchers have discovered people who have already been exposed to the virus and have developed antibodies, may be more susceptible.

Solving this puzzle opens the door for further work, which may help combat the devastating impact of Ross River Virus, which experts estimate causes disease in between 5000 and 7000 people each year. The symptoms of the virus, which can continue for years, include debilitating arthritis, aches and pains and extreme lethargy.

This discovery also means scientists can now better understand how the HIV and Dengue virus work. "Both these viruses (like Ross River), appear to utilise a specific receptor on the cell surface," Dr Mahalingam said. "Our findings may help with the development of new treatments based on manipulating cellular molecules, which are perturbed by the virus to enhance replication and infection of neighbouring cells.

" Dr Mahalingam and fellow researcher Dr Brett Lidbury (University of Canberra), who also worked on the project, will present their findings at the prestigious ScienceNOW forum in Melbourne.

Note: Dr Mahalingam will be available for interview at the ANU on Monday 27 August.

For more information contact: Dr Surendran Mahalingam on 02 61259749 and mobile 0401754901 or Leah Slattery, ANU Media Liaison Officer 02 6125 5001

No:73/2001

© 2000 Marketing & Communications Division,
The Australian National University.
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Last Modified Tue, July 16, 2002