Scientists have identified that a tiny protein, which plays a major role in the replication of foot-and-mouth disease virus, demonstrates a greater level of genetic economy than previously reported.
Lead researcher Professor Nicola Stonehouse, from the University of Leeds' Faculty of Biological Sciences, said: "Sometimes it's the little things that can make the big differences. By understanding the role of this tiny viral protein in the replication of foot-and-mouth disease virus, we're hoping to find more effective vaccines that fight the disease."
Researchers from the University of Leeds and The Pirbright Institute identified a new role for a small viral protein - called 3B3 - revealing how these viruses can copy themselves efficiently. Foot-and-mouth disease is of great economic importance and their findings could lead to the development of more effective vaccines against the disease in the future.
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The research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the findings have been published online at https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1006666 in the journal PLOS Pathogens .
Professor Nicola Stonehouse, from the University of Leeds' Faculty of Biological Sciences, is available for interview. Please contact Simon Moore in the University press office at +44 (0)113 34 34031 or s.i.moore@leeds.ac.uk for further information.
PLOS Pathogens