News Health & Medicine

A tiny crater on viruses behind the common cold may be their Achilles’ heel

The indentation could be a target for new drugs effective against the pathogens

chemical compound binding to enterovirus pocket

IN THE POCKET  A chemical compound (illustrated at center) binds to a never-before-seen pocket on the protein shell (blue, white and magenta) of an enterovirus, preventing replication.

James Geraets

By Aimee Cunningham

- More than 2 years ago

A newly discovered indentation on the surface of viruses that cause many illnesses, including the common cold, could be their Achilles’ heel — and a possible target for effective drugs.