"Interferon" mice are not afraid of viruses

Researchers from Canada have found a way to repeatedly strengthen the body's natural antiviral protection. The mice they bred turned out to be invulnerable to influenza and other dangerous viral infections.

During the experiment, the 4E-BP1 and 4E-BP2 genes controlling the synthesis of type 1 interferons were "turned off" in experimental animals. These proteins prevent viruses from multiplying in cells. As a result, the production of protective proteins has increased so much that mice have become virtually invulnerable to viral infections that are dangerous for ordinary rodents. Scientists failed to infect them with influenza viruses, encephalomyocarditis, vesicular stomatitis, as well as the Sindbis fever virus.

Observations of genetically modified rodents did not reveal any developmental abnormalities and other negative side effects in them.

Since the genetic knockout technique was used to increase antivirus protection, it is hardly possible to protect people in this way. Nevertheless, the researchers hope that in the future the production of interferons in the human body will be able to increase with the help of drugs.

The report on the experiment is published in the journal Nature.

Source: Genetic Breakthrough Supercharges Immunity To Flu And Other Viruses – Science Daily, 02/14/2008

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14.02.2008