tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
SINGAPORE, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Scientists from Singapore's Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI) -- which is part of the Agency of Science, Technology and Research -- have discovered a new way to boost the body's defense against infectious diseases, local TV Channel NewsAsia reported on Friday.
The scientists have identified for the first time the molecular "switch" which directly triggers the body's "innate immunity", or first line of defense against pathogens. This molecular "switch" is called Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK).When turned on, it activates the production of interferons -- a potent class of virus killers that enables the body to fight harmful pathogens, such as dengue and influenza viruses.
While there are anti-viral drugs to treat influenza, the high rates of mutation that are characteristic of the influenza virus have made it difficult to treat influenza with one universal drug or vaccine.
As for dengue, there are currently no clinically-approved vaccines or cures.
BTI said the discovery of BTK's role as a critical "switch" which boosts the body's anti-viral response paves the way for developing anti-viral drugs that target the BTK "switch" to fight infectious diseases.
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http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/xinhua/2012-05-11/content_5887561.html
The scientists have identified for the first time the molecular "switch" which directly triggers the body's "innate immunity", or first line of defense against pathogens. This molecular "switch" is called Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK).When turned on, it activates the production of interferons -- a potent class of virus killers that enables the body to fight harmful pathogens, such as dengue and influenza viruses.
While there are anti-viral drugs to treat influenza, the high rates of mutation that are characteristic of the influenza virus have made it difficult to treat influenza with one universal drug or vaccine.
As for dengue, there are currently no clinically-approved vaccines or cures.
BTI said the discovery of BTK's role as a critical "switch" which boosts the body's anti-viral response paves the way for developing anti-viral drugs that target the BTK "switch" to fight infectious diseases.
...
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/xinhua/2012-05-11/content_5887561.html