Funny Nature & Travel Art & Stage Going Viral Science Greetings Inspirational

Edit Profile Recently Viewed Favorites

Main > Going Viral > Baba Recommends

The Human Protein That May Cure Zika

By: Tony A.

Add to Favorites In Favorites

Español

Font Size:

A+ A-

I have been getting gradually more alarmed, even terrified, about the devastating spread of the Zika virus every time I hear about it. It's now rampant in 52 countries, wreaking havoc and wrecking lives, with no cure available. But I have faith in human enterprise; I believe we will find a cure. And the good news is that scientists have discovered a tiny human protein found in our cells that can limit and even stop the virus from infecting and killing cells.

Image source: The red areas are, or are predicted to be, potential danger areas for Zika

The Zika virus
Zika is such a terrible virus for three reasons. Firstly, it causes mild and often unnoticeable symptoms. Therefore, Zika could be present in a community long before anyone even realizes. Secondly, it causes awful birth defects, such as microcephaly, which is a neurological condition describing a too small head and brain. This is very dangerous. For this reason, many governments are telling certain areas of the world to refrain from reproducing for two years.

Zika is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as unborn infants are susceptible to massive birth defects as a result of infection

And thirdly, it can be transmitted by mosquito bites and through sexual contact. Therefore, it’s not just a matter of eliminating mosquitoes (even if that were possible), or going to a place that lacks the insects. Unfortunately many of the places in the world currently affected by Zika are areas where birth rates are high and contraceptives are not as widely available.

Zika is also transmitted through sexual contact

A hopeful new discovery

Scientists from the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) have discovered that a protein we all have to a greater of lesser degree can reduce and even prevent Zika’s infectious powers. Interferon-induced protein 3 (IFITM3) is found in virtually all human cells.

Scientists have given us hope with their new discovery of IFITM3's resilience against Zika

If our levels of this protein are less than average, Zika bursts through the cells’ defensive walls, causing infection. If our levels of the protein are above average, our cells walls prove resistant to Zika. What this causes is a de facto virus quarantine situation, where certain cells prevent the virus from getting to other cells. It is believed that this reduces the chance of cell death also.

A Yellow Fever mosquito (Aedes Aegyptii): the most common carrier of the Zika Virus

What’s the next step for scientists?

We are still unsure how IFITM3 actually works, so research will focus on this. Using mice with low levels of the protein, scientists will hopefully find that a lack of IFITM3 does indeed let in the Zika infection. Then the problem will be finding a way to improve people’s levels of the protein, taking into account any side-effects. It may even be the case that IFITM3 is not only a reliable shield against Zika but also against other viruses too. Therefore, this could be a major step forward.

Video: 10 Facts about the Zika Virus

H/T: secondnexus.com

Like Next Post Send Share WhatsApp

Copy Link

Did you mean:

Continue With: Facebook Google

By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy

Report copyright infringement

Print this content

You may also like:

Health

Can We PREVENT Type 1 Diabetes?

The study's findings point toward developing a simple blood test that could detect the immune failure leading to type 1 diabetes before insulin-producing cells are permanently lost.

Science and Technology

The Promise of Zilebesiran for High Blood Pressure

This New Blood Pressure Drug Could Be a Game-Changer

Zilebesiran, an investigational drug that is showing profound success in late-stage clinical trials is offering hope for millions who struggle to keep their blood pressure in check.

Health

Symptoms Almost Completely Disappeared with New Virus

Scientists Found a Way to Reverse Age-Related Blindness!

Scientists may have found a new cure for age-related blindness.

Science and Technology

Microsoft Invents an AI Doctor Better Than Human Doctors

Is Microsoft's "AI Doctor" Better Than a Real Doctor?

A new study presents a committee of digital doctors achieving approximately 80% accuracy in complex medical diagnoses – far beyond the average of general practitioners.

Health

This Is What’s Currently Known About COVID-19 Immunity

We now know for certain that recovering Covid-19 patients possess antibodies for the illness. What does that mean regarding their immunity for reinfection?

Science and Technology

9:09

Protective Measures: How Our Body Reacts to a Tattoo

In this video, we’ll explore the microscopic war raging beneath your skin, where millions of your cells make the ultimate sacrifice to lock that ink in place, turning a defense mechanism into lifelong art.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

7 Free Fall Mulching Materials That Will Transform Your Garden

7 Free Fall Mulching Materials That Transform Your Garden

Discover 7 free fall mulching materials that protect plants, suppress weeds, and enrich soil. From leaves to compost, save money while preparing your garden for winter.

Art

Terrific Performance by the French Cirque de Soleil

10:50

A Magnificent Spectacle by the French Cirque de Soleil

These talented and brave artists use swings to perform amazing aerial stunts and fly like birds.

Send Comment

Related Topics: science, health, cure, new in medicine, mosquitoes, zika virus, epidemic, pandemic, rumble video

Quizzes

Spelling Quiz July 2025

Do you trust your internal spell-checker? It's time to find out if your spelling game is elite… or due for a tune-up.

Underrated But Brilliant Films

Think you know your under-the-radar masterpieces? Let’s see if you can spot these unpolished cinematic treasures, and if not - we've left you some clues...

World Geography Challenge 2025

Whether you're a news junkie, a travel enthusiast, or just someone who loves maps, prepare to explore the complexities of the political planet!