Cette maladie rare pourrait bien devenir notre meilleure arme contre la prochaine pandémie
The scientific consensus regarding future pandemics is well-established: they are expected to become more frequent, more virulent, and will spread faster than previous pandemics. This trend is attributed to five main factors: rapid urbanization and…
The scientific consensus regarding future pandemics is well-established: they are expected to become more frequent, more virulent, and will spread faster than previous pandemics. This trend is attributed to five main factors: rapid urbanization and increased population density, deforestation leading to biodiversity loss, international travel and trade, climate change, and antibiotic resistance.
The medical community is actively exploring various approaches to enhance antiviral resilience in societies. Around fifteen years ago, immunologist Dusan Bogunovic from Columbia University observed patients with a rare mutation. This genetic anomaly blocks the action of an immune system regulator known as ISG15 ( Interferon-Stimulated Gene 15 ), resulting in a persistent inflammatory state that continuously activates their antiviral defenses.
Potential Universal Therapy Derived from a Rare Mutation
In a study published on Sun, Aug 13, 2023, in Science Translational Medicine , Bogunovic's team outlines the principles of an experimental therapy. This approach temporarily imparts the same antiviral protection observed in patients with innate immunity. The methodology is inspired by RNA vaccines, utilizing ten messenger RNAs encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles to induce the production of ten protective proteins in the lungs, effectively blocking viral replication.
The proteins are produced in small quantities for a short duration, resulting in significantly less inflammation compared to those with ISG15 deficiency. Animal tests on mice and hamsters showed that when administered via respiratory drops before infection, the therapy blocked the replication of influenza and SARS-CoV-2, reducing symptom severity despite viral presence.
The scientific consensus regarding future pandemics is well-established: they are expected to become more frequent, more virulent, and will spread faster than previous pandemics.
Prospects for a Universal Antiviral Shield
Researchers envisage this treatment as an emergency measure to deploy when an unknown virus emerges. Initial beneficiaries would likely include healthcare workers and vulnerable populations. However, challenges remain, including the distribution of the treatment within the body and the limited duration of protection observed in animal models, which currently lasts only three to four days.
While this approach is not yet a comprehensive solution to all viral threats, it represents a significant step forward. The potential of this research is substantial, but it requires further validation through technical challenges, clinical trials, and time, which may extend over a decade before human application is feasible.
Researchers identified a rare mutation maintaining an immune state that blocks numerous viruses without symptoms. Inspired by this, they are testing an mRNA-based therapy in animals, effective against influenza and SARS-CoV-2. The method's short-lived efficacy and insufficient protein production delay human trials.
D’après Presse-citron.