Posted on April 24, 2007 at 10:55 a.m.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- As the threat of global influenza continues to escalate due to the spread of avian flu in poultry populations across the continents and the increasing number of cases of human infection, researchers at UAB (the University of Alabama at Birmingham) strive to find the most effective treatment and prevention methods.

In a recently started, NIH-funded study, UAB researcher Ming Luo, Ph.D., professor of microbiology in the Center for Biophysical Sciences and Engineering, is exploring the activities of influenza viral proteins and will test different compounds to find a possible inhibitor.

“Infection of the influenza virus is dependent upon the activities of the viral proteins,” Luo said. “If an inhibitor compound can be found to block the activities of a viral protein, the compound may be further developed as an antiviral drug against the influenza infection.”

The study involves developing antiviral compounds to destroy two gene products that are essential for influenza to infect its host and thrive. By targeting these proteins, researchers hope to put an end to the virus’ progression.

Researchers expect to complete this study in two years. Further antiviral studies and improvements of the inhibitor design are in progress, Luo said. The current research project is sponsored by the Southeast Regional Center for Excellence for Emerging Infections and Biodefense (SERCEB) established at Duke University.