An enzyme has the key role in resistance against influenza

Researchers from McGill, led by Dr. Maya Saleh of the Department of Medicine discovered that clAP2, an enzyme plays a keys role in lungs to protect themselves against flu but also provides resistance to damage of tissues. “The results from our study now suggest that one effective way of countering influenza infections may instead be offered by enhancing the body`s resistance to the virus”, said Saleh. Fighting against flu consists of the combination of defense and control. Controlling means our immune system prevents the spreading of the virus and blocks it from getting into our cells. On the defensive side, we mean the body resists against harmful cell death, caused by the virus. The enzyme was analyzed in mice and is proven to protect the cells and activates survival factors in the cells. The enzyme not only protects infected cells from dying but uninfected cells in the same tissue as well.