Novel Strategy to Control and Prevent Norovirus Gastroenteritis; Conference paper

摘要

Norovirus (NV) gastroenteritis is an important disease of all ages and populations, including the military. The disease is difficult to control due to its widespread nature and lack of a treatment. NVs recently have been found to recognize human histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) as receptors. The human HBGA system is highly polymorphic; NVs also are genetically diverse. This presentation summarizes our studies on the unique interaction of NVs with human host and the discovery of diversified receptor binding patterns of NVs. We also developed a saliva-based enzyme immune assay (EIA) to screen for inhibitors against NVs binding to receptors using a compound library. We discovered over a dozen compounds that potentially could be developed into antivirals against NVs. Human NVs still cannot be cultivated and infect animals. Our studies have significantly advanced the field of NV research. Further characterization of the NV/host interaction and application of new knowledge gained from these studies would result in development of new strategy to control and prevent NV gastroenteritis.