COVID-19 protein triggers immune attacks on healthy cells — but a common drug can stop it

A groundbreaking study has unveiled that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, a key component of the COVID-19 virus, can migrate from infected to uninfected cells. This movement prompts the immune system to mistakenly target healthy cells, exacerbating the virus's impact. Such findings shed light on the complex mechanisms of COVID-19, furthering our understanding of how the virus elicits severe immune responses. Researchers have identified that this immune misdirection may explain some of the more severe and persistent symptoms experienced by COVID-19 patients. The study highlights the nucleocapsid protein's pivotal role in immune system confusion, which could contribute to prolonged illness and complications post-infection. This discovery emphasizes the importance of ongoing research to unravel the virus's multifaceted effects on the human body. In a promising development, the study suggests that a widely available drug could mitigate these adverse immune reactions. The research points to the potential of repurposing existing medications to block the harmful spread of the nucleocapsid protein, offering a new therapeutic avenue to protect uninfected cells. This approach could not only alleviate symptoms but also reduce the long-term health impacts of COVID-19, marking a significant advancement in pandemic management strategies.

— Authored by Next24 Live