The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral liver inflammation (viral hepatitis). Every year, there are about 15 to 110 million active cases worldwide, which result in about 70,000 deaths. There are no vaccines against HEV authorised in Europe. The therapeutics available are not specific, have strong side effects, and can lead to resistance. A research team at the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut has identified certain vesicle structures and proteins that could be targets for treatment and contribute to a new understanding of viral genome transmission, also with regard to diagnostics.