Filovirus

Introduction

Filoviruses are agents of severe hemorrhagic fevers, can be highly contagious, and have the potential to cause serious outbreaks with high mortality. Filoviruses include the genera Cuevavirus, Ebolavirus, and Marburgvirus. The latter two primarily infect vertebrates with a focus on primates. Creative Biolabs is dedicated to providing and developing a series of anti-Filoviruses antibody such as the Ebola virus antibody.

Filovirus Genome and Structure

Filoviruses (order Mononegavirales; family Filoviridae) are 19 kb linear negative-sense viruses included in the genera Ebolavirus, Marburgvirus, and Cuevavirus. The viral genome encodes seven structural proteins, nucleoprotein (NP), polymerase cofactor (VP35), matrix protein (VP40), glycoprotein (GP), replication-transcription protein (VP30), minor matrix protein (VP24), and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L). GP is cleaved by a furin-like enzyme into two fragments (GP1 and GP2). EBOV genome also encodes an additional secreted nonstructural glycoprotein (sGP). The filovirus family is so-called owing to the filamentous or thread-like morphology of their virus particles.

Fig.1 Ultrastructure and structure of filovirus virons. (Leroy, 2011)

Pathogenesis of Filovirus

Hepatocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells and macrophages are major EBOV targets. APCs are probably responsible for viral dissemination and systemic infection. APCs leads to altered inflammatory response and uncontrolled release of mediators. The release of high levels of TNF from infected macrophages can promote increased vascular permeability and leakage that typically lead to hemorrhagic fever. Furthermore, widespread lymphocyte apoptosis (specifically NK and T-cells) occurs within lymphoid tissues.

Epidemiology

• Marburg virus is endemic in a natural reservoir in Central and West Africa, particularly in woodland areas; the Ebola virus is found in the humid rainforests of Central and West Africa.
• Filoviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted from animals to people. Conclusive evidence that bats are natural hosts for filoviruses was obtained only recently.
• Clinical disease is associated with contact with other infected individuals or contact with contaminated waste products including water.
• The overall incidence of Ebola virus infections is lower in children compared with adults. However, pediatric mortality is high, with the youngest children having the highest case fatality rates.

Fig.2 Filovirus outbreaks in Africa. (Leroy, 2011)

Symptoms

The symptomatic disease ranges from mild to severe. The symptoms include sudden onset with high fever, malaise, sore throat, abdominal pain, myalgias, vomiting, diarrhea, conjunctival injection, maculopapular rash, and unexplained hemorrhage. Multi-organ failure is noted.

Prevention and Treatment

Currently, there are no post-exposure treatments approved for human use. Managing filovirus disease typically focuses on prevention/detection and supportive care with other management strategies beginning to emerge. There is no licensed vaccine, and the only way to limit outbreaks is to isolate patients. Attempts to produce filovirus vaccines have focused on several antigen presentation systems.

What Creative Biolabs offers

Anti-Filovirus antibodies can be used in the study of infectious diseases. Creative Biolabs provides numerous anti-Ebola virus antibody products for researchers. For special Filovirus antibodies, our expert team can provide comprehensive custom products and services, including ViroAntibody discovery, engineering, customized, and neutralization Assays. Please feel free to ccontact us for more information.

References

1. Leroy, E.M.; et al. Ebola and Marburg haemorrhagic fever viruses: major scientific advances, but a relatively minor public health threat for Africa. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2011, 17(7): 964-976.
2. Takada, A. Filovirus tropism: cellular molecules for viral entry. Front Microbiol. 2012, 3: 34.

All products and services are intended for Research Use Only, and NOT to be used in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.