Publication Shows Promising Results in Treatment for Common Virus
By Matilyn Mortensen |
In order to develop a new treatment for cytomegalovirus, a latent virus that is the leading cause of congenital birth defects, a team of USU researchers used a cell culture model. This method allows researchers to refine a treatment before moving on to animal models. The promising results have been published and are now being replicated in a mouse model study with collaborators at the University of Utah.
Utah State University researchers recently published a paper showcasing important advancements in the treatment of cytomegalovirus, or CMV.
CMV is a latent virus without a vaccine and is the leading cause of congenital birth defects. Antiviral treatment is effective but is also associated with toxicity, especially in infants and immunocompromised patients.
In order to successfully treat the virus and minimize negative side effects, biological engineering professors Elizabeth Vargis and David Britt oversaw an experiment using a synthetic polymer to deliver the flavonoid quercetin to cells infected with the virus.
Both of these substances are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the combination could be a more effective way to treat patients while reducing the side effects they experience. Biological engineering students Andrew Kjar and Ian Wadsworth led the research that demonstrated the successfulness of this method in a cell culture model.
These promising results are now being replicated in a mouse model study with collaborators at the University of Utah.
WRITER
Matilyn Mortensen
Public Relations Specialist
College of Engineering
435-797-7512
matilyn.mortensen@usu.edu
CONTACT
David Britt
Professor
Department of Biological Engineering
435-797-2158
david.britt@usu.edu
TOPICS
Engineering 336stories Health 306stories Biology 163stories Technology 139stories Virus 23storiesComments and questions regarding this article may be directed to the contact person listed on this page.
