Identification Of Conserved And Functional ITAM-like Sequences Within G1 Cytoplasmic Tail Of Hantaan Virus

Hantaan virus (HTNV), the prototypic member of the hantavirus genus of the family Bunyaviridae, is the etiologic agent of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). This disease is endemic in several regions across the Eurasian landmass, particularly in the People's Republic of China, where it has been an important public health concem because of the high morbidity and mortality, and limited treatmentThe vascular permeability abnormalities are hallmarks of HFRS pathogenesis, but their mechanisms have not been elucidated completely. It has been suggested that immune mechanisms play a crucial role in the development of HFRS. However, there are twomajor paradoxes of HTNV infection: â‘  HTNV infects human endothelial and immune cells, but does not result in visible cytopathic effect and immune cell recruitment to the endothelium to explain development of capillary leakage of infected patients. â‘¡ Bycontrast, HTNV induces asymptomatic and persistent infection of rodent or small mammal hosts, with an incidental life-threatening infection of humans. Prospective longitudinal studies addressing these issues are underway.