Protein that triggers immune response to viruses identified

Massachusetts General Hospital has found a protein that is linked to triggering the body's immune system response against infection caused by viruses. The protein known as GEF-H1 helps the macrophages - the eating machine that eats away materials and pathogens - react to viral infections, which also sends the body a response signal to fight the infection. The macrophages initiate the innate immune system - the first line of defense that sends white blood cells, cytokines, and antimicrobial peptides to stop the invasion. It is said the the gene GEF-H1 controls the response by binding to microtubules and recognizing bacteria.

The Hospital has also found that without GEF-H1 the tested mice were not able to be protected from two viral infections. Influenza A and enchephlomyocarditis were not attacked by the immune system. It is said that this could be due to viruses being capable of creating a resistance against the immune response. they are able to develop strategy's to prevent the immune system from stopping them so they can continue their invasion. However the discovery doesn't discourage the researchers, they hope to find a way to destroy the viruses strategy.

Knowing that researchers are constantly looking for ways to prevent viral infections and any other pathogen is reassuring. This means we are one step closer to developing a technique to ensure everyone has a healthy life. Our body holds many secrets but when we find these secrets it we find new ways to create treatments with the knowledge that comes out of research.