An international team of researchers has identified the specific protein that tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) uses to infect human cells, marking a significant breakthrough in understanding how the virus causes neurological disease. The study, co-led by scientists from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, and the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), was published on September 24, 2025 in the journal Nature. This discovery represents the first time researchers have conclusively identified an essential host-cell protein receptor for any flavivirus.

TBEV belongs to the flavivirus genus, which includes other serious mosquito- and tick-borne pathogens such as dengue virus, yellow fever virus, Zika virus, and Japanese encephalitis virus. Until now, scientists had been unable to identify the critical protein receptors that these viruses use to enter human cells. "By conclusively demonstrating that TBEV requires a critical protein receptor to infect human cells, we open the field to discovering receptors for other flaviviruses and devising therapies for the devastating infections they cause," said study co-leader Kartik Chandran, Ph.D., professor of microbiology & immunology at Einstein.

The research team identified LRP8 as the crucial protein that acts as a receptor for TBEV infection. Using a sophisticated screening method, researchers exposed thousands of cell variants with different genes removed to TBEV and found that cells lacking the LRP8 gene survived exposure. "LRP8 is a protein on the cell surface that is highly expressed in brain cells," explained Sara Gredmark Russ, Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at Karolinska Institutet, who led the study at KI. The protein essentially functions as a "door opener" for the virus to enter human cells.

This discovery has significant implications for developing new treatments for tick-borne encephalitis, a disease that currently has no specific antiviral therapies available despite the existence of a preventive vaccine. TBEV is transmitted through tick bites and can infect the brain and spinal cord, causing severe and sometimes life-threatening neurological disease. With the virus endemic throughout Northern, Central and Eastern Europe, and Central and East Asia, and cases expected to increase due to climate change and expanding tick habitats, this breakthrough provides a crucial foundation for future antiviral drug development.

Oslo police have issued a stark warning to parents about the dangers of encrypted messaging applications on children's phones, stating there is "no reason" for minors to use such services. During a digital parenting meeting streamed online Sunday afternoon, authorities highlighted how platforms including Telegram, Signal, WhatsApp, and Zangi are being exploited by criminal networks to recruit young people for serious offenses.

Section leader Astri Johanne Holm of Oslo East's local police station emphasized that adults have been "too naive" about children's online activities. "Be interested in what your child is doing on social platforms," Holm advised parents. "There's no reason for a child or youth to walk around with an encrypted app on their phone." The warning comes amid growing concerns about criminal groups targeting vulnerable minors through digital channels.

Recent police operations have resulted in multiple arrests of underage individuals across Norway, with cases linked to criminal networks including Sweden's Foxtrot network. Authorities report that children as young as eleven are being recruited for criminal activities. Holm noted that while many people use encrypted apps legally to protect privacy, criminals exploit these platforms to avoid scrutiny from both police and parents.

The digital parenting event attracted significant public interest, with between 5,000 and 10,000 people following the broadcast across Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Discord platforms. During the session, parents submitted over 200 questions about monitoring children's online activity without violating their privacy. Police recommended maintaining open dialogue and curiosity about children's apps and interests as the best prevention strategy, while also implementing broader measures including collaboration with child protection services and schools.