Single Host Gene May Hold Key To Treating Both Ebola And Anthrax Infections, US Army Researchers Report

ScienceDaily -- ScienceDaily (Aug. 24, 2009) — Research published by Army scientists indicates that a minor reduction in levels of one particular gene, known as CD45, can provide protection against two divergent microbes: the virus that causes Ebola hemorrhagic fever and the bacterium that causes anthrax. Taken together, the results suggest a common host restriction factor and a promising approach to drug development for treating two completely different infections.