Researchers have identified a protein complex in the giant mimivirus virus that resembles part of the host's protein synthesis machinery and allows the virus to take control of the process.[1] During infection, vIF4F replaces eukaryotic IF4F on host ribosomes, promoting viral protein synthesis.[1] Blocking this takeover by control, e.g. by deleting the genes coding for vIF4F, it greatly reduces the ability of mimivirus to replicate in amoebae under normal conditions and completely paralyzes it under host stress such as food deprivation or chemical exposure.[1] This mechanism gives the virus an advantage by maintaining protein synthesis even when the cell is stressed by infection or external factors.[1] The study provides experimental evidence of manipulation of the host apparatus by giant viruses, which is rare in the field.[1] The results were published in the journal Cell.[1]