Scientists have uncovered important new information about a key protein that allows viruses such as smallpox to replicate and wreak havoc on the immune system. The findings further our understanding of how the pox family of viruses works to subvert the immune system, the researchers say. They also believe their work could one day be used to develop new drugs to combat a variety of inflammatory and immunological disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis and some forms of heart disease.
