Scientists have just discovered the secret of the flu virus

Scientists have just discovered rare antibodies that can access the "dark area" of the influenza virus, creating a basis for improved treatment methods.

Influenza virus has a mushroom-shaped protein called neuraminidase (NA) , which contains a part that is considered a 'dark area ', because most of the structure below the virus's mushroom cap has not been discovered by science, according to LiveScience on March 6. .

The new discovery opens up new possibilities for treating influenza viruses. (Photo: LiveScience).

The NA protein is thought to help the influenza virus move to its preferred receptor on the outside of the host cell. Then, once the virus has infected and multiplied inside the cell, NA will help new viruses escape from the cell.

When NA mutates, its internal structure changes, making the virus more difficult to destroy, or resistant to antiviral drugs.

In a study published in the journal Immunity on March 1, scientists analyzed the blood of two people infected with influenza A H3N2 and discovered 6 antibodies that had attached to the dark area of ​​NA. Through analysis, scientists discovered that these antibodies bind to several different types of H3N2 viruses and slow down the replication process.

When tested on mice, these antibodies also helped mice survive the H3N2 virus , creating the basis that antibodies could prevent and treat influenza in humans. These antibodies were strongly protective when tested on mice, before and after infection with the H3N2 virus.

The researchers also tested several drug-resistant flu strains and obtained similar results. Some current influenza antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu will inhibit NA, thereby preventing the virus from escaping from infected cells.

Research results can be the basis for producing antiviral drugs and vaccines to prevent more types of influenza viruses. Current influenza vaccines are designed against hemagglutinin (HA) found on the surface of influenza viruses. HA protein mutates very quickly, so flu vaccines must be constantly updated to deal with circulating HA protein strains.

'Our findings help guide the development of effective countermeasures against ever-changing influenza viruses, by identifying vulnerable sites hidden under the NA protein ,' said the study's authors. rescue said.