LLOVIU VIRUS - A NOVEL FILOVIRUS, ENDEMIC IN EUROPE

The data on a recently revealed novel filovirus (Lloviu virus, family Filoviridae, genera Cuevavirus) in Europe are viewed in this issue. The molecular-biological properties of genome fragments of Lloviu virus were isolated from perished bats (Miniopterus sсhreibersii). Because infectious Lloviu virus has not been isolated yet, the capacity of virus to infect cells of different species and its potential to cause disease in humans is unclear. The recombinant vectors (vesicular stomatitis virus and plasmids) expressing structural proteins of Lloviu virus were used to study different elements of the virus. The question of interaction of structural proteins of Lloviu virus expressed by recombinant vectors with receptors of bat and human cells is considered. The possibility of pathogenicity of the novel agent for humans is considered. The conclusion is made about the necessity of continuous epidemical and epizootical monitoring of the new filovirus infection.