Human protein may help prevent influenza A / H1N1

US scientists have discovered a new natural protein in humans can help prevent influenza A / H1N1 and other viruses such as West River Nile virus and dengue fever.

Photo: Reuters.

According to the study published in the journal Cell on December 17, during the study of cultured human cells, scientists from Howard Hughes Medical Institute (USA) discovered that this protein (name Scientific is IFITM 3) capable of strong virus resistance through blocking their reproduction.

Research shows that increasing the amount of protein in the human body can completely block the reproduction of viruses.

To survive, influenza viruses and pathogens generally need protein in their cells, and IFITM 3's effect is to prevent viruses from invading these cells.

This new finding opens a way to research new vaccine production.

However, US scientists recommend that additional research be needed to find out whether IFITM 3 can be used as a basis for future antiviral therapies and whether the increase in the number of these proteins causes harm in the long term or not./.