Viruses use microRNA to block the immune system
June 26, 2008 | Source: KurzweilAI
Hebrew University of Jerusalem Researchers have discovered that viruses use microRNAs (small RNA molecules that suppress gene expression) to block the human immune system, making it harder to fight the virus.
The discovery could lead to new antiviral therapies that target viral microRNA. Conversely, it could lead to new methods to suppress the immune system in autoimmune diseases and transplantations, by developing synthetic microRNAs that mimic natural viral microRNAs.