2023-05-31 14:15:00
Flu
Influenza viruses invade human cells by hijacking the mechanism for importing iron. A research team from the University of Geneva found this out. This new finding should help fight epidemics in the future.
The influenza A viruses bind to the transferrin receptor 1, as the University of Geneva announced in a broadcast. The transferrin receptor 1 is normally responsible for transporting iron molecules into the cell.
Influenza A viruses, along with influenza B viruses, are the cause of influenza epidemics. They kill half a million people worldwide every year. These viruses can also have devastating effects on animals, as in the case of bird flu.
Clinical application still a long way off
In the study now in the journal “PNAS” was published, the researchers were able to show that the ability of these viruses to penetrate cells is significantly reduced when the relevant receptor is blocked. A chemical molecule was used to inhibit the receptor. In tests on mice and human lung tissue samples, the virus multiplied significantly less.
The problem: Due to its potentially carcinogenic properties, this product cannot be used to treat humans. According to the study, clinical application is still a long way off. Nevertheless, the authors are convinced that blocking the transferrin receptor 1 might be a promising strategy for treating influenza infections.
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