Ebola, HIV and other killer viruses could be treated using a gene found in monkeys, scientists say.
Lab studies by University of Utah academics found the gene retroCHMP3 can stop viruses from escaping human cells and infecting others.
Scientists have known for some time that the gene, found in squirrel monkeys and mice, plays an important role in ‘everyday cellular processes’.
But this is the first study to show it can actually block viruses — including HIV and Ebola — from spreading.
Scientists said the discovery could lead to the development of antivirals for humans against a range of lethal pathogens.
Lab studies by University of Utah academics found the gene retroCHMP3 can stop viruses from escaping human cells and infecting others
Studies will need to prove it is safe and well-tolerated in humans and helps to stop viral infections before it can be rolled out.
Humans can carry the CHMP3 gene, which plays a key role in cellular processes as part of the ESCRT pathway.
But the pathway was thought to be an ‘Achilles heel’, with viruses able to ‘exploit’ it and cause infection.
Scientists feared messing with the pathway because they didn’t think it was possible to do so ‘without interfering with other very important cellular functions’.
In an effort to get around the issue, academics coaxed human cells to produce the retroCHMP3 version of the gene — which is usually found in monkeys.
They then infected the same cells with HIV.
Results of the study — published in the journal Cell — revealed it stopped the virus in its track, and didn’t disrupt any crucial processes or cause cells to die.
Lead author Nels Elde said: ‘We thought the pathway was an Achilles heel that viruses like HIV and Ebola could always exploit as they bud off and infect new cells.
‘[But] retroCHMP3 flipped the script, making the viruses vulnerable. Moving forward, we hope to learn from this lesson and use it to counter viral diseases.’
He told MailOnline they hoped to one day make new treatments to help fight off viral infections.
He said: ‘Next we are generating modified mice that can produce retroCHMP3 to see if this helps curbs virus infections.
‘The idea is that a few cells might still get infected but the viruses can’t efficiently get out of these cells and the infection would be squelched.
‘If these pre-clinical studies prove successful, the next step would be to consider how this might translate in other animals of agricultural importance and ultimately in humans.’