Research identifies the JAK/STAT pathway as a prime area for restoring immune response in RSV patients
Irish-based researchers have uncovered a potential new target in the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Scientists based in Trinity College Dublin have discovered how the virus defuses an immune response, opening up the possibility for new future therapies to stop this from occurring.
Working with human airway epithelial cells, the team of scientists discovered that RSV suppresses a key biological pathway in our cells called the JAK/STAT pathway. This prevents key immune system igniters from moving into the nuclei of cells. These igniters are ordinarily activated by interferon-alpha, our own natural antiviral.
“Interferon-alpha, which activates signals in our cells through the JAK/STAT pathway, is responsible for kick-starting hundreds of antiviral genes into action, which then target the virus in a number of different ways,” said research senior author Asst Prof Nigel Stevenson.
“So when RSV prevents interferon from communicating to these genes the virus slams the brakes on our immune response, which can result in the virus taking hold and quite quickly causing very serious medical issues.
“Our discovery is an exciting revelation because it identifies the JAK/STAT pathway as a prime target for therapeutic immune restoration. And this new knowledge is very valuable to drug designers, as they need to fully understand how a virus evades our immune system before they can successfully create a therapeutic to turn the tide,” he added.
“We predict such a therapeutic could make a significant impact in treating RSV and even clear an RSV infection, which would represent a much-needed solution for both children and the elderly, who are very vulnerable to this dangerous virus.”
The research paper was published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology.
There are an estimated 33 million RSV cases annually, with the virus being the leading cause of infant bronchiolitis and viral pneumonia. It is particularly problematic for children and elderly people, with treatment options limited and relatively ineffective.
Some RSV vaccines have recently been approved in Europe. Last month the Government announced that the RSV Immunisation Pathfinder Programme, which will offer the inoculation to 28,000 infants in Ireland this winter.
Based on evidence from a similar programme implemented in Spain, it’s estimated that the infant RSV vaccination programme in Ireland will lead to the avoidance of up to 453 hospitalisations and up to 48 ICU admissions.
