Drs. Rider, Zook, Boettcher, Wick, Pancoast, and Zusman took my breath away today (11 August 2011). These MIT researchers may have developed a “broad-spectrum” anti-viral and published the results in PLoSOne. That’s right- it kills many different kind of viri. Just like penicillin was able to do against bacteria.
How does it work? It induces suicide in the cells that have been invaded by a virus. Since that cell is dead, the virus has nowhere to go.
You recall that when a virus finds a cell, it injects its nucleic acids into the cell. At that point, the cell is a total drone, performing the tasks the virus wants- which is to produce copious quantities of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which is observable and defines the “infected” cell. Once there are plenty of copies, the cell explodes affording even more viri to infect other cells.
Assuming the cell were healthy enough to withstand this viral attack, the cellular proteins attach to dsRNA that prevents this cascade of destruction. Dr. Rider’s group combined this protein with another protein to induce cellular suicide. One end of this DRACO (Double-stranded RNA activated capsase oligomerizer) binds to the dsRNA, the other end initiates apoptosis (cellular suicide). The bound viral particle precludes its availability to attack other cells.
This is very different than our conventional therapy against viri. Up to this point, a vaccine is developed that is specific to a specific virus. This is why we need to produce new formulations for flu vaccines every year. This patented process works against a wide variety (broad-spectrum) of viri.
Right now, these results have only proven themselves in the laboratory with human and animal cells. The viri- the common cold (really!), H1N1 Infuenza, and various strains of polio, intestinal viri, hemorrhagic fever, and dengue fever. (They have determined the therapy was safe for 11 different mammalian cell types and successfully used the processes against H1N1 in live mice.)
I can hardly wait…
Wow! We’ve all heard that old adage that goes something like… if we can fly to the moon why can’t we come up with a cure for the common cold? Sounds like we are so close! I only hope it is proven safe. Thanks for the hopeful post! ~ Suerae
Suerae Stein recently posted..Fear Factor Vacation Part 2
Suerae:
They spent a fair amount of time showing safety. Now, we have to see how it works in humans, how to dispense it, and how long it can be preserved.
Glad you found this of interest. I know it got my attention right away!
Roy
Roy, this is a VERY interesting development. Was there any discussion as to how these “broad spectrum” anti-virals might be administered in humans? I’m assuming injection….
Tor Constantino recently posted..The Hidden Beauty of a Band-Aid
Tor:
I don’t believe this is going to end up as an injection, but that remains to be seen. Soon, I hope.
Thanks for dropping in.
Roy
Remember when we thought these events were a thing of fiction? Thanks for sharing, Roy!
Cathy Miller recently posted..Business Writing Techniques That Punch Holes in Your Success
Cathy-
That’s what scientists and engineers are SUPPOSED to do. Convert dreams to reality! Some of us even do with beauty and grace…
Thanks for dropping in and commenting.
Roy
But if a cold is confusion in the mind we don’t need a vaccine – just chicken soup, peace and lots of quiet.
As for flu that is confusion in our soul so chicken soup, peace and restful breathing
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Roberta:
Loved your tongue-in-cheek. Of course, if your tongue was not within the confines of the cheeks, that would be a situation for WAY more than chicken soup.
Roy