Early immune 'checkpoint' could help explain why the same virus affects individuals so differently
Age, genetics and lifestyle are known to influence how people respond to viral infections. Scientists also know that differences in immune responses play an important role, but exactly how these factors shape the course of an infection has remained unclear.
Researchers from Hokkaido University have discovered an early immune checkpoint that may explain why individuals respond differently to viral infections. While age, genetics and lifestyle factors are known to influence how people react to viruses, the exact mechanism behind these differences has been unclear. The study, published in iScience, used mouse models to investigate the role of the immune system during the first 24 hours after infection.
The researchers found that a powerful early immune response, specifically a burst of type I interferon (IFNβ), plays a critical role in determining whether a mouse survives a severe viral infection. Mice that generated this early interferon response were much more likely to survive, while those that didn't released less of the protein.
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