This is the blog for GW students taking Human Evolutionary Genetics. This site is for posting interesting tidbits on: the patterns and processes of human genetic variation;human origins and migration; molecular adaptations to environment, lifestyle and disease; ancient and forensic DNA analyses; and genealogical reconstructions.

GWHEG figure

GWHEG figure

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Flu Season: Could a Protein Be Our Protection?

A recent study done at the University of Maryland School of Medicine discovered the potential ability of a protein known as RC-101 to protect against influenza and other diseases. RC-101 has been previously identified as a protective agent against disease in the animals in which it is found, such as Orangutans. Although the protein was lost in recent primate evolution and is not found in humans, researchers found similar benefits of viral protection when they studied the protein in the context of human immune cells as well as in mice. In human immune cells, they discovered that the protein not only blocked the virus from entering the target cell, but also stopped the inflammation that is responsible for symptoms associated with the flu, such as fever, lethargy, and pain. In mice, they studied two different groups: both groups received a dose of lethal influenza, but only the first group received the RC-101 protein. As a result, only 20% of mice in the first group died, whereas 90% of mice in the control group died. Ultimately, the flu is an ongoing issue causing thousands of deaths annually, despite the existence of vaccines. Based on the findings of this study, researchers now hope to incorporate this unique double function of RC-101 in making medicine for protection not just from the flu, but also a multitude of viral infections that stem from inflammation.

-Julie Thomasian 


Source: Eurkalert, Published 09/29/2017



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