Viperin (IMAGE) Penn State Caption A structural model of viperin a naturally occurring enzyme in humans that is known to have antiviral effects on viruses such as West Nile, hepatitis C, rabies, and HIV. A new study led by researchers from Penn State and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine reveals the mode of action of viperin, which facilitates an important reaction that results in the production of ddhCTP, a molecule that prevents viruses from copying their genetic material. Credit David W. Gohara, Ph.D Usage Restrictions Image credit must be published alongside image. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.