The process involves knocking out two genes in mice, 4E-BP1 and 4E-BP2, that repress production of the protein interferon. Interferon is the cell’s first line of defence against viruses. Type 1 interferon’s suppress virus propagation and are produced with the control of the interferon regulatory protein 7. Protein 7 is believed to be the ‘master- regulator’ of interferon production in the body, according to researchers. The mouse cells produce high levels of interferon when the repressor is absent which effectively blocks viruses from reproducing and illustrates more of the key protein 7 present, inducing an anti-viral state in the cell. Researchers then tested this process on the influenza virus, encephalomyocarditis virus, vesicular stomatitis virus and Sindbis virus. Researchers found that this process enhances interferon production in the mice and no negative side effects or abnormalities were observed (Dr. Costa- Mattioli).
Knocking out genes is not yet possible in humans, however in the future new pharmaceutical therapies will evolve from this research. Future research would involve targeting the 4E-BP1 and 4E-BP2 repressor genes with drugs which should create a molecule that can protect from viral infection. Society has always been worried about potential new viral epidemics such as bird flu and if this is successful when applied to a human subject then there will be great potential in the development of a new therapy to fight the flu. It is hoped that scientists can utilise this discovery to one day eliminate influenza and several other viruses in the human population.
Science News, McGill University 14/02/2008, Genetic Breakthrough Supercharges Immunity to Flu and Other Viruses, date accessed: 23/04/09
