PLpro and type 1 interferons
- July 31, 2020
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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Subject: Science and tech
Context:
In a research new protein has been identified as potential cure for coronavirus
Concept:
- PLpro, a protein is produced by the human cell itself after the virus hijacks the cell mechanism.
- PLpro is essential for replication of the virus.
- A new study in Nature has found that pharmacological inhibition of PLpro blocks virus replication and also strengthens our immune response.
- When SARS-CoV-2 infects human, the infected body cells release messenger substances known as type 1 interferons.
- These attract our killer cells, which kill the infected cells.
- However SARS-CoV-2 fights back by letting the human cell produce PLpro. This protein suppresses the development of type 1 interferons, which would have attracted our killer cells.
Interferons
- They are a group of signaling proteins made and released by host cellsin response to the presence of several viruses.
- In a typical scenario, a virus-infected cell will release interferons causing nearby cells to heighten their anti-viral defenses.
- IFNs belong to the large class of proteins known as cytokines, molecules used for communication between cells to trigger the protective defenses of the immune system that help eradicate pathogens.
- They are typically divided among three classes: Type I IFN, Type II IFN, and Type III IFN.
- IFNs belonging to all three classes are important for fighting viral infections and for the regulation of the immune system.