Innate immune system protein provides a new target in war against bacterial infections (virus, component)

[Brian.Pearson]

Research led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists has identified a possible new approach to defeating bacterial infections by targeting an innate immune system component in a bid to invigorate the immune response.


In this study, researchers demonstrated that the primary function of one of the innate immune molecules is to suppress inflammation, which in turn dampens the immune response to infections and other threats. Investigators showed the protein works by inhibiting two pathways that control production of specialized molecules that fight infections. The findings appear in the current online edition of the scientific journal Nature.

[Six Foot Three]

It's trying to find a balance between reving up the immune system to kill all bacteria, viruses and cancer and yet not ramping it up too much where as it starts to attack the body in the form of auto immune diseases.