Scientists have developed an experimental mRNA drug that can protect the body against multiple viruses at once, including the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and the influenza virus. The development is described in the journal Science.
The approach is based on observations of people with a rare deficiency of the protein ISG15. These patients retain a mild but persistent activation of antiviral genes, which allows their cells to better control infections. Inspired by this phenomenon, the researchers identified ten key ISG genes that provide a similar “universal protection.”
To test this, they used mRNA technology: a set of genes was packaged into lipid nanoparticles and injected into animals. Experiments showed that this therapy significantly increased the resistance of cells to Zika, vesicular stomatitis, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. In mice, a decrease in the severity of the disease was observed, and in hamsters, the drug even prevented a fatal outcome when infected with the coronavirus.
The authors note that maximum effectiveness is achieved when all ten genes are administered collectively, while they do not work individually. Despite the limitations in the delivery of the mRNA drug, the study paves the way for the creation of universal antiviral agents that can be used to prevent a wide range of infections.
