Researchers discovered a protein in SARS-CoV-2 called ORF6 that helps the virus evade the immune system by hiding infected cells from natural killer (NK) cells.
NK cells are part of the immune system's first line of defense and eliminate virus-infected cells.
ORF6 protein in SARS-CoV-2 removes proteins (MIC-A and MIC-B) from the surface of infected cells, making them invisible to NK cells.
Researchers used an antibody (7C6) to shield MIC-A and MIC-B proteins, allowing NK cells to recognize and destroy infected cells.
This research involved collaboration between scientists in the US and Brazil. Data from hospitalized patients was used to validate the findings.
The success of antibody 7C6 in protecting cells opens up possibilities for developing new treatments to fight COVID-19.
Studying how ORF6 functions helps us understand how the virus interacts with the body and paves the way for potential antiviral therapies.
Researchers will conduct further studies using animal models to test the effectiveness of this approach for future clinical applications.