- Researchers discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 virus evades the immune system by inhibiting proteins that signal infected cells.
- A study led by scientists from the Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital identified a protein called ORF6 as key in this evasion mechanism.
- Natural killer cells (NKs) play a crucial role in detecting and fighting viruses, but SARS-CoV-2 disrupts proteins that help these cells recognize infected cells.
- Protecting these disrupted proteins with an antibody called 7C6 allowed NKs to more effectively find and destroy infected cells.
- This research opens up new avenues for developing antiviral therapies and potential treatments to strengthen the immune system against COVID-19.
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Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Virology