Interferons

Interferon response key to fighting rhinovirus infections in nasal passages

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When a rhinovirus, the most frequent cause of the common cold, infects the lining of our nasal passages, our cells work together to fight the virus by triggering an arsenal of antiviral defenses. In a paper publishing January 19 in the Cell Press journal Cell Press Blue, researchers demonstrate how the cells in our noses … Read more

UZH researchers develop decoy molecules to restore immune defense

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An immune system defect makes affected individuals vulnerable to severe viral diseases such as influenza or COVID-19. It is caused by the body’s own antibodies, which inhibit important defense proteins known as type I interferons. UZH researchers have now generated “decoy molecules” that intercept these autoantibodies and restore the immune defense – the foundation for … Read more