Monday, July 11, 2016

Molecule controls infection by variety of RNA viruses

There are basically 2 parts to the immune system, innate immunity and  adaptive immunity (these may overlap).   Innate immunity refers to nonspecific defense mechanisms that come into play immediately or within hours of an antigen's appearance in the body. These mechanisms include physical barriers such as skin, chemicals in the blood, and immune system cells that attack foreign cells in the body. The innate immune response is activated by chemical properties of the antigen.
RIG-1 (Retinioic Acid Inducible Gene-1) is found in human cells.  It functions to recognize viral pathogens by their molecular patterns and like the legendary Paul Revere, gallops down signalling patways to alert and set in motion the expression of innate immune response genes.  When the transcription factor IRF3 is alerted it leaps into action and a coalition of molecules (i.e.type 1 interferon) are expressed to control the invading virus.  

So it is July, please excuse my red, white and blue interpretation,  but I think this is an important study in the development of the new generation of broad spectrum antiviral drugs.  In vitro experiments indicate compounds activating IRF3 showed activity against  West Nile virus, dengue virus and hepatitis C virus (Flaviviridae), Ebola virus, influenza A virus, Lassa virus, respiratory syncytial virus, Nipah virus (Filoviridae). Has anyone out there tested this with zika virus - also of the family Flaviviridae?  

Here is a link to the abstract and paper 
















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