This particular glycoprotein was found in Ebola virus by investigators at the CDC nearly 20 years ago, but its role in Ebola's cellular invasion remained a mystery. Nabel and his team, tracked the glycoprotein in two ways. The secreted glycoprotein was detected by its ability to bind to cells, using an antibody to this viral gene product. However, Nabel says it now appears sGP actually binds to neutrophils and hinders an early inflammatory response that might stop the virus from replicating. This version attaches to endothelial cells, possibly clearing the way for the Ebola virus to enter into the cell where it begins its destructive process.
Research is now underway on how the glycoprotein causes disease in animals.
The new findings may have far-reaching benefits for fighting other illnesses. The Ebola virus glycoprotein might also be used for therapeutic purposes, for example, by incorporating it into gene therapy vectors derived from different, safer viruses in order to deliver therapeutic genes into endothelial cells in cancer or cardiovascular disease. These studies provide greater understanding of its molecular control and approaches which might protect against infection.