Decoy molecules restore immune defense against viral diseases

A study from researchers at the University of Zurich has found a way to potentially improve immune defenses in people with an immune system defect. This defect makes individuals more susceptible to severe viral diseases like influenza and COVID-19. It happens because their own antibodies block important proteins called type I interferons. Type I interferons are crucial for fighting off viruses. They alert other cells in the body, helping them prepare for an invasion. However, around 2–4% of people over 65, which is about 100 million globally, have autoantibodies that neutralize these proteins, preventing a strong immune response. The researchers created "decoy molecules" designed to intercept these harmful autoantibodies. Study leader Benjamin Hale explained that these decoys can bind to the autoantibodies, stopping them from inhibiting the type I interferons. This could lead to a new type of treatment that helps restore immune function. To develop these decoys, the team analyzed blood samples from individuals who had been severely affected by COVID-19 and had these autoantibodies. Kevin Groen, the first author, emphasized the importance of these samples for their research. The team successfully created molecules that mimic type I interferons in a way that confuses the autoantibodies. In lab tests, these decoys were able to reduce the impact of the autoantibodies, restoring the antiviral function of the type I interferons. This research is a promising step towards finding a treatment for those affected. However, more work is needed before these decoy molecules can be tested for clinical use.