Ostrava scientists can "tame" viruses
A scientific team from the University of Ostrava is investigating the properties of viruses and parasites that often pose a threat to humans. Under certain conditions, however, even viruses can be an ally in the treatment of many diseases. Scientists are investigating how to "tame" viruses as part of the LERCO project.
At first glance, viruses, parasites and unknown micro-organisms may appear to be lurking enemies waiting for an opportunity to attack humans. Vjačeslav Jurčenko's research team works with viruses every day. They are working on the identification and analysis of new or poorly studied viruses, as well as diseas-causing parasites, such as Leishmania or Trypanosoma. They are working on the genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics of these organisms and are looking for ways to modify their behaviour and properties to benefit humans and help treat various diseases. Thanks to gene manipulation, scientists are able to "tame" viruses and use them to benefit our health.
In the latest published study, researchers from the LERCO project have managed to describe two species of the trypanosomatid parasite Vickermania that, despite their similarities, turned out to be very different biochemically. The researchers compared an isolate cultivated for decades in laboratory conditions with an isolate from the wild and noticed differences between them. It is the ability to adapt to the environment that is typical of these micro-organisms and the researchers are investigating how this property could be used, particularly in medicine.
A virus as a cure? Is it possible
"I'm fascinated by how extremely quickly viruses can adapt to the environmental conditions. That's why studying them is so exciting. Not only do they change, but they can also amplify their genes, or part of them, in different ways. This genomic plasticity is key to our research," explains virology team leader professor Vjačeslav Jurčenko, Ph.D.
Although we often associate viruses exclusively with diseases, the team of Ostrava scientists is thinking primarily about how to use them positively. Scientists can already modify a virus to serve as a carrier of genetic material into infected cells and attack other pathogens.
They are also working to identify chemicals that could be turned into actual drugs. Recently, they helped to identify and characterize a compound that could be used to treat bee colonies infected with trypanosomatid parasite. But for a long time, the scientific team around Vyacheslav Yurchenko has been working on a parasite from the genus Leishmania. They are now laboratory testing so-called "suicide" parasites - that is, parasites that can be made to self-destruct by genetic manipulation and thus potentially help to prevent a disease called leishmaniasis, if used as vaccines.
Climate change brings new pathogens
Climate change brings new challenges. Insects that were once typical of the tropics are now moving northwards, and with them the parasites, bacteria, and viruses they carry. One of the most prominent examples is the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which has already been observed in southern Moravia. In tropical areas, the tiger mosquito is responsible for the transmission of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and the zika virus.
"In the samples that we have analysed, we observe that parasites and viruses that are not typical for our environment are reaching us," confirms Yurchenko. The LERCO project is expected to ensure the development of a virology department and, in the future, support the opening of a study programme that would also allow the study of virology. At the same time, a state-of-the-art virology laboratory will be established in the LERCO research hub building in Ostrava, which will significantly enchance research on viruses and parasites. The scientific research hub is scheduled to open in April next year.
"The new lab will allow us to take our research a big step further and open the door to other young scientists who want to pursue virology," concludes the team leader.
