University of Zurich researches ways to improve immune defense

(CONNECT) A team of researchers at the University of Zurich is working on a therapy to improve viral defense, according to a press release. In particular, it is intended to help people whose body's own antibodies block important proteins of the immune system. According to the UZH, 2 to 4 percent of people over the age of 65 have such autoantibodies in their blood. They are particularly susceptible to serious viral infections such as influenza, COVID-19 or shingles. A targeted treatment does not yet exist.

The UZH team's approach is based on artificial molecules that are intended to reverse the immunodeficiency and reduce the risk of serious infections. In cell culture experiments, they were able to show that the artificial molecules act as bait and intercept the harmful autoantibodies.

"Our results are a promising step towards a new treatment that could reduce susceptibility to viral infections and the severity of the disease," said first author Kevin Groen from UZH. However, further optimization is necessary before clinical trials can begin. ce/heg