Scientists at UCLA have made a groundbreaking discovery that could help explain why some COVID-19 patients experience severe symptoms and why certain symptoms persist even after the infection has been cleared. The research team, led by Gerard Wong, utilized an artificial intelligence system to analyze the proteins produced by SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Through a series of validation experiments, they identified viral protein fragments that mimic a crucial component of the body’s immune system, leading to an overactive immune response and potentially deadly consequences.
The findings, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, challenge the traditional understanding of viral infections. Typically, it is believed that after the virus is destroyed, the immune system develops recognition for different viral components, providing protection against future infections. However, COVID-19 has revealed a more complex mechanism at play.
Wong explains, “The textbooks tell us that after the virus is destroyed, the sick host ‘wins,’ and different pieces of the virus can be used to train the immune system for future recognition. COVID-19 reminds us that it’s not this simple.” The team discovered that SARS-CoV-2 fragments can imitate innate immune peptides, which are responsible for amplifying signals to activate the body’s immune defenses. These fragments can assemble with double-stranded RNA, a molecule typically present in viral infections or released by dying cells. This hybrid complex triggers an exaggerated immune response.
To support their discovery, the researchers conducted extensive experiments using advanced techniques to study nanoscale biological structures and performed tests on cells and animals. Their analysis revealed that SARS-CoV-2 possesses a greater variety of fragments that mimic human immune peptides compared to relatively harmless coronaviruses responsible for the common cold. Furthermore, experiments conducted on multiple cell types consistently displayed an amplified inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 fragments compared to those from the common cold variants. Mice experiments also demonstrated a significant immune response, particularly in the lungs, when exposed to SARS-CoV-2 fragments.
These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of severe COVID-19 outcomes. By understanding how viral protein fragments interact with the immune system, researchers may develop targeted therapies to mitigate the overactivation of the immune response, potentially reducing the severity of symptoms and preventing long-term complications.
While there are still many mysteries surrounding COVID-19, this study represents a significant step forward in unraveling the intricate relationship between the virus and the immune system. As the pandemic continues, research initiatives like this offer hope for improved treatments and a better understanding of the virus’s behavior, ultimately leading to more effective strategies for combating COVID-19 and preventing future outbreaks.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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