They do not get sick but viruses leave molecular “fingerprints” in the blood. Rare natural defense will be the basis for universal antiviral treatment.
A small group of people seems to be naturally immune to all virusesand scientists are now trying to replicate this extraordinary capacity.
15 years ago, the immunologist Dusan Bogunovic found that some patients had a rare genetic mutation that disabled an immune regulator called ISG15.
Although this mutation made them more vulnerable to certain bacterial infections, it also seemed to protect them from all the viruses studied, including flu, covid-19, measles and chickenpox.
A deepened analysis revealed that while these people did not get sick, viruses left “fingerprints” molecular in their blood. Bogenovic, a professor at Columbia University, realized that understanding this rare natural defense could serve as the basis for universal antiviral treatment.
In people with disabilities of ISG15, the Immune system works in a constant state of low intensity antiviral alertremember the.
Normally, the body applies “brakes” to immunity responses, but in these patients some virus combat proteins remain active, preventing infections without causing excessive inflammation.
Laboratory studies have revealed a modest but persistent activation of certain genes stimulated by interferon (ISGs).
More than 500 ISGs that the body can produce, the researchers identified a core of 10 proteins responsible for robust antiviral effects.
These proteins attack viruses at various phases of their life cycle, working similarly to the combined therapies used to treat HIV.
To transform this discovery into therapy, Bogunovic’s team MRNA TECHNOLOGY USED IN COVID-19 Vaccines.
Instead of encoding a viral surface protein, lipid nanoparticles carry genetic instructions to the ten antiviral ISGs.
In cellular cultures, this Cocktail of ISGS blocked infections from different virusesincluundo Zika, Gripe, West Nile is Sars-Cov-2.
In animal studies, prior administration of RNA significantly reduced viral replication in rats and attenuated pulmonary damage and weight loss in hamsters exposed to SARS-COV-2.
It should be noted that the Treatment does not compromise the remaining immune system. Cells are still able to respond to interferon signs, avoiding the “refractory” state associated with large -scale interferon -based therapies.
Protection lasts three to four daysand may provide crucial coverage to health professionals, vulnerable populations or families during the early stages of an outbreak.
However, challenges, however, persist, especially with regard to delivering RNA effectively to target tissues at therapeutic levels.
But if outdated, this approach can provide a Antiviral Fast Response Optionequipping the immune system with the same low -level antiviral defense and wide spectrum that a few naturally have.
“This work has been inspired by rare patients, but has the potential to lead to the development of a universal antiviral for all,” Bogunovic, pointing to a Potential milestone in pandemic preparation and antiviral innovation.
