 | | | | Related Healthscout Videos | |
|
(Ivanhoe Newswire) Researchers could be close to discovering a treatment for the common "stomach flu" thanks to an immune sensor that detects stomach viruses in the body.
Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo., identified MDA-5, a protein that "revs up" the body's immune system to fight off infection. The stomach flu -- not actually a flu at all, but rather a virus called norovirus -- is detected primarily by MDA-5. A second protein sensor called TLR3 could also help add to the body of knowledge surrounding norovirus and help researchers develop treatments and even more effective prevention methods for the condition.
Text Continues Below
Researchers say some people have common MDA-5 mutations that may make them more susceptible to infection and the subsequent unpleasant side effects. Norovirus infections are most common in locations where people live in close contact, such as on cruise ships, military bases, nursing homes and schools.
SOURCE: PLoS Pathogens, published online July 18, 2008
Sign up for a free weekly e-mail on Medical Breakthroughs called First to Know by clicking here.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
|
.gif)
