Discovery could help stop Covid-19, say Swiss scientists
A protein produced by the human immune system can strongly inhibit corona viruses, including SARS-CoV2, the pathogen causing Covid-19, say Swiss researchers.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/sm
Português
pt
Descoberta científica suíça pode ajudar no combate à Covid-19
A study by an international team, including the Institute of Virology (IVI) at the University of Bern and the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office, shows that a protein produced by the immune system prevents the novel corona virus from fusing with host cells. The so-called LY6E protein prevents corona viruses from triggering an infection.
This finding by researchers from Switzerland, Germany and the US raises hopes for new therapies.
“We wanted to find out which factors prevent corona viruses from spreading from animals to humans,” said the IVI’s Volker Thiel in a statement released on Tuesday. “Now we have succeeded in finding the needle in the haystack, so to speak.”
Researchers had previously discovered that the LY6E protein increases the infectivity of influenza viruses that cause flu. What is new is the discovery that LY6E has the opposite effect on corona viruses in that it prevents infection.
This was successfully demonstrated in an animal model. The researchers note that the mouse corona virus used in the experiment differs significantly from the pathogen causing the current Covid-19 pandemic, causing hepatitis rather than respiratory diseases. Still, it’s a valuable finding, they say.
“Our study provides new insights into how important these antiviral genes are for the control of viral infection and for an adequate immune response against the virus,” said Thiel.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
This content was published on
A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
This content was published on
The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
This content was published on
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
This content was published on
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.