A research project on Nipah virus has been awarded a Takeda Science Foundation Grant.

Fundamental Studies on the Replication Mechanisms and Prevention of Nipah Virus Infection

Funding Program: Takeda Science Foundation – High-Risk Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Grant, 2023
Principal Investigator: Hiroshi Katoh

Nipah virus (NiV) forms two distinct types of inclusion bodies (IBs) during infection. These membrane-less structures are thought to arise through liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) and serve different functions: cytoplasmic IBs, which are the sites of viral RNA synthesis, and IB-PM, which is involved in viral particle assembly.

Using immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analyses, we demonstrated that the viral N and P proteins are sufficient for the formation of cytoplasmic IBs, whereas the formation of IB-PM additionally requires the viral M protein. Furthermore, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analyses revealed that cytoplasmic IBs exhibit highly dynamic liquid-like properties, whereas IB-PM displays gel-like characteristics with substantially lower molecular mobility.

To further investigate virus–host interactions, we employed proximity-dependent labeling to identify host factors recruited to cytoplasmic IBs, thereby revealing the interaction network associated with these viral replication compartments.

This project provides fundamental insights into the molecular mechanisms governing Nipah virus replication and establishes a foundation for the development of novel antiviral strategies and preventive measures against this highly pathogenic emerging virus.