U Zurich develops decoy molecules to improve immune defense

Researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH) have developed new molecules that could help restore the immune defense in people with a harmful immune system defect. This defect makes individuals more susceptible to serious viral diseases like influenza and COVID-19. It occurs when the body's own antibodies interfere with important proteins called type I interferons. Type I interferons are crucial for the immune system. They help cells fight viruses by alerting uninfected cells to prepare for an attack. However, about 2-4% of people over 65 have antibodies that block these interferons, leaving them at risk for severe viral infections. Currently, there are no specific treatments for these individuals. The UZH team analyzed blood samples from 20 patients who had these autoantibodies, some of whom were severely ill with COVID-19. They uncovered how these harmful antibodies recognize and stop the type I interferons. The researchers aimed to create decoy molecules that could attract these autoantibodies, allowing interferons to work effectively again. In lab experiments, they successfully created these decoy molecules that resemble type I interferons but are inactive. This means they can bind to the harmful antibodies without overstimulating the immune system. These decoys not only help restore the antiviral effects of type I interferon but can also be used to isolate the autoantibodies from blood samples without affecting other important immune responses. The findings provide hope for a new treatment that could reduce the risk of severe viral diseases in affected individuals. While this research is a promising step forward, more work is needed to refine the decoy molecules before they can be tested in clinical settings.