Release date: 2010-01-04
The study found a protein produced by the body that helps prevent H1N1, West Nile and dengue infections.
A team led by Stephen Eritz, a researcher at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in the United States, found that human cells respond to the H1N1 flu virus by producing large amounts of antiviral proteins. By culturing human cells, these proteins are able to inhibit the replication of H1N1, West Nile and dengue viruses, which we did not understand before. This unexpected discovery will help us develop more effective antiviral drugs, including preventive drugs to prevent the spread of the flu.
Like other viruses, the influenza virus itself has few genes and must rely on the host cell's protein to complete its own life cycle. Eric and colleagues began the current study when they set out to find the H1N1 virus into the cell and carry out the proteins needed for its own replication.
Researchers quickly discovered the genes needed for more than 120 H1N1 infected cells. "In the process of searching for these genes, we found other genes with opposite effects. If these genes are removed, the replication of the virus will be more perfect," Eritz said.
These antiviral genes encode three members of the interferon-inducing transmembrane (IFITM) protein family: IFITM1, IFITM2 and IFITM3. When the generation of IFITM3 is interrupted, the replication of H1N1 is surprisingly increased. So researchers began to speculate that these proteins are some natural antiviral proteins. "When IFITM3 does not exist, the replication of these viruses increases 5-10 times," Eritz said. When IFITM3 was added, it was found that the replication of H1N1 was completely suppressed.
If it is safe to prove that cells are exposed to high levels of IFITM for days or weeks, these proteins will form the basis of broad-spectrum antiviral therapy.
Eritz said that in this H1N1 pandemic, some infections may be fatal to people who appear to be healthy. Genetic or other factors that influence IFITM levels may be responsible for increasing their susceptibility to the virus. Meditech Medical Network
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