The “cytokine storm,” found in some COVID-19 patients, may be stopped by a specially developed protein, scientists say

Researchers have developed a specialized protein that may be able to counter the excess immune response seen in some severe cases of COVID-19, known as the “cytokine storm.”

This is a phenomenon in which the immune system overproduces immune cells that secrete messenger proteins known as cytokines. This excess of cytokines can cause lung inflammation and can be fatal in severe cases.

Cytokine storms are found in patients with various viral and bacterial infections, including hepatitis and HIV, and certain treatments, such as CAR-T therapy used to attack cancer cells.

A team of scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) said the protein they developed could suppress excessive cytokine levels and mitigate the worst effects of the storm, the journal said. Quarterly Review of Biophysics (QRB) Discovery It explains their first discovery.

Proteins are similar in structure and act like other proteins called antibodies produced by the immune system to protect yourself from foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

“The idea is [the proteins] “The excess cytokines produced by the cytokine storm can be injected and bound in the body, removing excess cytokines and alleviating symptoms from infections,” said Rui Qing, lead author of the MIT study. .

The protein developed by Qing and his colleagues binds to cytokines, which stimulate inflammation and other immune responses in the body. In this sense, the specially developed protein mimics another protein already present in the body, known as the cytokine receptor. Overall, the team has developed a protein that mimics six different cytokine receptors.

In laboratory experiments, scientists have discovered that their specialized proteins can bind cytokines with strengths similar to those found naturally in the body.

It is important to note that more studies using animal models and human cells are needed to better understand the efficacy of this approach. Nevertheless, MIT scientists hope that the protein may be able to rapidly absorb excess cytokines during the storms emitted during COVID-19.

” [proteins] When bound to excess cytokines, they may block excess cytokine interactions with target cells, thereby reducing organ damage and toxicity, “the authors write in a study.

The authors started protein development in April 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic began. But when evidence began earlier this year that a new coronavirus infection might be causing a cytokine storm in some patients, they may find their study helpful in treating COVID-19. I realized that it wasn’t.

“After all, our study, launched in April 2019, is directly related to the treatment of patients with Covid-19 infection,” Shuguang Zhang, the lead author of the MIT paper, said in a statement. I will. “Curiously driven or even proactive research often leads to key preparations to prevent future disasters.”

The next step is to further test patients infected with COVID-19 in human cells and animal models, hopefully before proceeding to human clinical studies.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advice on using face coverings to delay the spread of COVID-19

• The CDC recommends wearing cloth-covers in public places where maintaining social distance is difficult.
• A simple cloth face covering helps delay the spread of the virus by infected and asymptomatic people.
• Fabric face covers can be made from household items. Guide provided by CDC. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html)
• The cloth front cover should be washed regularly. A washing machine is enough.
• Safely remove your face cover without touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and wash your hands immediately after removing the cover.

World Health Organization advice to avoid the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Hygiene advice

• Clean your hands frequently by rubbing them with soap and water or alcohol-based hands.
• Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing. When caring for an illness; before cooking, during cooking, after cooking before eating; after using the toilet; if hands are clearly soiled. After handling animals and waste.
• Keep at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who cough or sneeze.
• Do not touch your hands, nose, or mouth. Do not spit in public.
• When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow. Throw away the tissue immediately and clean your hands.

Doctor’s advice

• If you have any symptoms, avoid close contact with others.
• If you feel sick, even if you have mild symptoms such as a headache or runny nose, stay at home and avoid the possibility of infecting your healthcare facility or other people.
• If you develop serious symptoms (fever, cough, dyspnea), contact your health care provider early and your local health authority in advance.
• Be aware of recent contact and travel details with others and provide them to authorities who can track and prevent the spread of the disease.
• Get the latest information on COVID-19 issued by health authorities and follow their guidance.

How to use a mask and gloves

• A healthy person should wear a mask only when caring for a sick person.
• Wear a mask if you cough or sneeze.
• Masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand washing.
• Do not touch the mask while wearing it. Clean your hands if you touch the mask.
• Learn how to properly wear, remove, and dispose of masks. Clean your hands after discarding the mask.
• Do not reuse disposable masks.
• Regular bare hand washing is more effective at catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves.
• The COVID-19 virus can still be picked up with rubber gloves and transmitted by touching your face.

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