Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut

Viruses like influenza A and Ebola invade human cells in a number of steps. Research teams investigated the final stages of viral penetration using electron tomography and computer simulations. So-called fusion pores, through which the viral genome is released into the host cell, play a central role in these processes. If they can be prevented from forming, the virus is also blocked. The Heidelberg scientists describe previously unknown mechanisms, which might lead to new approaches to prevent infections. Viruses like influenza A and Ebola invade human cells in a number of steps. In an interdisciplinary approach, research teams from Heidelberg University and Heidelberg University Hospital investigated the final stages of viral penetration using electron tomography and computer simulations. In the case of influenza A, they were able to determine how the immune system fights off the virus using a small protein. For Ebola viruses, they discovered that a specific protein structure must be disassembled in order for an infection to take hold. So-called fusion pores, through which the viral genome is released into the host cell, play a central role in these processes. If they can be prevented from forming, the virus is also blocked. The Heidelberg scientists describe previously unknown mechanisms, which might lead to new approaches to prevent infections. Many viruses that infect humans are covered with a lipid membrane that has glycoproteins that can dock with human cells. In viruses like influenza A, which enter through the respiratory tract, these are the spike proteins that mainly bind to epithelial cells in the nose and lungs. In contrast, the highly infectious Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and can penetrate a broad spectrum of cell types. After invading human cells, these viruses must open a fusion pore between the virus membrane and the host membrane to release their genome into the host cell and propagate. To fight off the virus, the human immune system attempts to block the formation of the fusion pore in a multi-stage process. Infected cells sense the presence of the foreign genome and send a signal, in the form of an interferon molecule, to as yet uninfected cells. This signal triggers the uninfected cells to produce a small cellular protein called interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3). "This specialised protein can effectively prevent viruses such as influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, and Ebola from penetrating, but the underlying mechanisms were unknown," states virologist Dr Petr Chlanda, whose working group belongs to the BioQuant Center of Heidelberg University and the Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research of Heidelberg University Hospital. The researchers were now able to demonstrate that for influenza A viruses, IFITM3 selectively sorts the lipids in the membrane locally. This prevents the fusion pores from forming. "The viruses are literally captured in a lipid trap. Our research indicates that they are ultimately destroyed," explains Dr Chlanda. To analyse the structural details of viruses, Dr Chlanda and his team took advantage of equipment from the Cryo-Electron Microscopy Network at Ruperto Carola. In an interdisciplinary approach, the research groups led by Prof. Dr Ulrich Schwarz of the BioQuant-Center and the Institute for Theoretical Physics along with Prof. Dr Walter Nickel of the Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center predicted this process with the aid of computer simulations. In the context of antiviral therapy, the researchers believe it is possible to develop lipid-sorting peptides that insert themselves into the virus membrane, rendering the viruses incapable of membrane fusion. "Such peptides could be used in a nasal spray, for example," states Petr Chlanda. In a second study, the Heidelberg researchers investigated the penetration and fusion of the Ebola virus. The filamentous morphology of the virus is determined by a flexible protein envelope known as the VP40 matrix protein layer. "It has always puzzled us how this long virus could penetrate the cell, fuse with the membrane, and release its genome," states Dr Chlanda. Using their structural analysis of infected but inactive cells provided by collaborators from the Friedrich Loeffler Institute in Greifswald, the researchers discovered that this virus protein envelope disassembles at a low pH, i.e. in an acidic environment. This step is not least decisive for the formation of fusion pores, as further computer simulations by Prof. Schwarz and Prof. Nickel showed. During this process, the electrostatic interactions of the VP40 matrix with the membrane are weakened, thereby reducing the energy barrier of pore formation. The results of the Heidelberg basic research suggest that a blockade of the disassembly of this layer would be one way to maintain Ebola viruses in a state that does not permit fusion pore formation. Similar to the influenza A virus, the Ebola virus would then be lured into a trap from which it could not escape. The studies were part of the Collaborative Research Centre "Integrative Analysis of Pathogen Replication and Spread" (CRC 1129) funded by the German Research Foundation. The research results were published in both "Cell Host & Microbe" as well as the EMBO Journal.

Since the introduction of medical imaging devices in the 20th century, the utilization of medical imaging technology has been gaining ground in Europe, aided by the enhanced healthcare policies and growing availability of high-quality medical equipment. Safe, effective, and advanced medical imaging is of utmost importance in medical decision-making, reducing unnecessary procedures, and to ensure overall outcome of treatments. With novel imaging technologies being introduced every other day, the faith in modern medicine has been reinforced, especially in the bleak times of the COVID-19 pandemic. To cite an instance, researchers at the Friedrich Loeffler Institut in Germany have been able to successfully detect SARS-CoV-2 infection in 3D tissue samples of ferrets using light-sheet fluoroscence microscopy, which can produce an 8x magnified image. The following top four trends have been defining the growth of European market: Europe medical imaging market to transcend 13.3 billion by 2026 due to preference for minimally invasive surgeries The Europe medical imaging market size was estimated at $9.4 billion in 2019 and is anticipated to witness a surging CAGR of 5.1% between 2020 and 2026, as new technologies in the area of medicine foray into the commercial practices. As minimally invasive surgeries offer the benefits of traditional ones, along with significantly reduced pain, recovery time, and negligible scarring. Minimally invasive surgeries assure higher accuracy since they deploy a camera to facilitate the surgeon a better visualization of the internal organs. As a result, the market for medical imaging in Europe is anticipated to surpass 13.3 billion by 2026. Extensive deployment to push nuclear imaging segment at the fore By product type, the European market has been segmented into magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, computed tomography, nuclear imaging, ultrasound, and X-ray imaging. Of these, the nuclear imaging segment is expected to be the prime contributor, growing at a healthy CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast timeline. The extensive application of the nuclear imaging systems across a spectrum of applications including blood imbalances, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer has been assisting the market to advance rapidly. Access sample pages of this report, “Europe Medical Imaging Market Size By Product (X-ray Devices {Digital [Direct Radiography Systems, Computed Radiography Systems], Analog}, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound, {2D Ultrasound, 3D Ultrasound}, Computed Tomography, Nuclear Imaging, Mammography), By End-use (Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Denmark, Russia, Poland, Sweden), Application Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2020 - 2026” in detail along with the table of contents (ToC) @ Growing at a 5% CAGR, UK’s growth inevitable as investments rise The UK market will garner considerable revenue over the forthcoming times and is anticipated to exhibit singular growth at a CAGR of 5%. The heavy investments in the development of technologically advanced medical imaging products and services is one of the prominent growth drivers of this region. The high disposable incomes of citizens of this nation, coupled with the vast healthcare expenditures has also been supporting growth. The presence of some notable companies offering medical imaging products and services such as Siemens and Accenture is also likely to push the market further. Influenced by adoption of advanced healthcare facilities, growth of hospitals in the offing Hospitals and diagnostic centers are some prime end-user segments of the Europe medical imaging market. Hospitals are projected to exhibit singular expansion, driven by the availability of advanced healthcare facilities that comprise of various imaging processes and modalities to image the human anatomy for diagnostic and treatment purposes. As hospitals are frequently opted for due to their esteemed medical judgment, the growth of the hospital segment is close at hand. Some prominent companies offering medical imaging products and services include GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Esaoate SpA, and Fujifilm Corporation. To stay ahead of the game, several of these market players are launching innovative products. For instance, Advantech, a prominent provider of computing solutions and platforms, announced the addition of a 55-inch widescreen ultra-high-definition (UHD)monitor for surgical imaging. About Graphical Research: Graphical Research is a business research firm that provides industry insights, market forecast and strategic inputs through granular research reports and advisory services. We publish targeted research reports with an aim to address varied customer needs, from market penetration and entry strategies to portfolio management and strategic outlook. We understand that business requirements are unique: our syndicate reports are designed to ensure relevance for industry participants across the value chain. 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