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Scientists at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in La Jolla say they have identified the sensor in human lungs that detects SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and signals the body to mount an antiviral response. The discovery may lead to improved treatment for those diagnosed with the disease.
The sensor in the lungs, called MDA-5, was found to be “the immune cop that’s tasked to keep an eye out for SARS-CoV-2 and call for backup,” said Sumit Chanda, director of the immunity and pathogenesis program at SBP and senior author of the study.
“MDA-5 recognizes replicating viruses in lung cells and activates interferon,” Chanda said. Interferon, a signaling protein released by cells in the immune system, is “the body’s own frontline defender against viral invasion,” he said.
The virus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
Senior study author Sumit Chanda, Ph.D., director of the Immunity and Pathogenesis Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys. Previous Next
Newswise LA JOLLA, CALIF. – Jan 12, 2020 – Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified the sensor in human lungs that detects SARS-CoV-2 and signals that it’s time to mount an antiviral response. The study, published today in
Cell Reports, provides insights into the molecular basis of severe disease and may enable new strategies for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19.
“Our research has shown that MDA-5 is the immune cop that’s tasked to keep an eye out for SARS-CoV-2 and call for back-up,” says Sumit Chanda, Ph.D., director of the Immunity and Pathogenesis Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys and senior author of the study. “MDA-5 recognizes replicating viruses in lung cells and activate