The enzyme that helps us fight the flu

Deakin University scientists have found that the human body could naturally hold the key to a speedy recovery from the flu.

The research was conducted by a team led by Associate Professor John Stambas, who explained, “The flu shot offers very good protection against seasonal virus strains; however, mismatches between the circulating strain and the vaccine occur from time to time, leading to a reduction in its efficacy.

“That’s why our research focuses on the host, finding a way for humans to harness an enzyme they already possess to fight back and clear the virus quickly.”

In a series of experiments, the results of which were published in the journal PLOS Biology, the researchers showed that mice lacking the ability to express an enzyme known as ADAMTS5 showed increased signs of disease when compared to normal control mice.

“We believe this is due to the fact that the ADAMTS5 enzyme is not degrading its target protein substrate (versican) efficiently, making it difficult for immune cells to move and clear the virus,” Associate Professor Stambas said.

“We find that a subset of white blood cells involved in clearing infection gets trapped in the lymph node closest to the lung. As a result, mice have higher levels of virus in their lungs, lose more weight and their immune responses are impaired.”

The researchers’ next step, according to Associate Professor Stambas, will be “testing if we can administer or express higher levels of ADAMTS5 to help speed up cell movement and improve immunity to viruses”.

“Hopefully this will add another option to the arsenal in our fight against the flu,” he said.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Nickilford