We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
RANDOX LABORATORIES

Download Mobile App




Researchers Show How the Influenza Virus Blocks Natural Killer Cell Recognition

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 31 Aug 2014
Print article
Image: Diagram illustrates the innovative process that could lead to more effective drugs against influenza infection (Photo courtesy of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem).
Image: Diagram illustrates the innovative process that could lead to more effective drugs against influenza infection (Photo courtesy of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem).
A team of molecular virologists has described how the influenza virus evolved a defense mechanism to protect it from attack by the immune system's natural killer (NK) cells.

The recognition of pathogen-infected cells by the immune system's NK cells is controlled by inhibitory and activating receptors. Investigators at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel) had shown previously that among the activating NK cell receptors, the natural cytotoxicity receptors NKp44 and NKp46 interacted with the viral hemagglutinin (HA) protein expressed on the cell surface of influenza-virus-infected cells. The interaction between NKp44/NKp46 and viral HA was sialic-acid dependent, and the recognition of HA by NKp44 and NKp46 led to the elimination of the infected cells.

In the current study, which was published in the August 1, 2014, issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases, the investigators demonstrated that the influenza virus developed a counter-attack mechanism based on the virus' neuraminidase (NA) protein. The NA enzyme removed HA sialic acid and prevented the recognition of the virus by the NKp44 and NKp46 receptors. This lack of recognition resulted in reduced elimination of the infected cells by NK cells.

Understanding the NA/HA interaction and its influence on NK cell behavior is expected to lead to the development of new approaches for treating influenza.

Influenza is a major global health problem causing approximately three to five million cases of severe illness and leading to between 250,000 and 500,000 deaths worldwide. “It is thus urgent to develop new drugs for fighting influenza infection, which requires an understanding of the virus's life cycle and its interaction with the host’s immune system,” said first author Yotam Bar-On, a research student in immunology and oncology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

In recognition of the significance of his research, Yotam Bar-On was recently awarded the prestigious Kaye Innovation Award. This award was established by the prominent British pharmaceutical industrialist Isaac Kaye to encourage faculty, staff, and students of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to develop innovative methods and inventions with good commercial potential which will benefit the university and society.

Related Links:

Hebrew University of Jerusalem


Gold Member
Troponin T QC
Troponin T Quality Control
Unit-Dose Packaging solution
HLX
New
Adenovirus Detection Kit
REALQUALITY RQ-ADENO
New
Cortisol Rapid Test
Finecare Cortisol Rapid Quantitative Test

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Schematic overview of maternal biomarker discovery using cell-free RNA during pregnancy (Photo courtesy of Circulation Research (2024). DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.325024)

Maternal Blood Test Identifies Congenital Heart Diseases in Fetus

Each year, around 1,000 children are born with a single ventricle heart defect (SVHD), a condition where one of the heart's lower chambers is underdeveloped, too small, or missing a valve.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image

AI-Based Method Shows Promise for Pathological Diagnosis of Hereditary Kidney Diseases

Alport syndrome is a hereditary kidney disorder characterized by kidney dysfunction, sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Early in the disease, patients experience hematuria, which is... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.