Photo credit: www.sciencedaily.com

Breakthrough in Immune Response Offers Hope for New Therapies

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have unveiled a groundbreaking process within the immune system that enhances the production of a crucial group of anti-viral proteins known as interferons. This advancement brings optimism for developing effective treatments for various autoimmune and infectious diseases.

In a study published in the journal Nature Metabolism, Professor Luke O’Neill and his team identified that a natural metabolite called Itaconate can activate immune cells to produce interferons by inhibiting an enzyme known as SDH.

Shane O’Carroll, a co-lead author from the School of Biochemistry and Immunology at the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI), explained, “We have established a connection between the enzyme SDH and the production of interferons in macrophages, a specific type of immune cell. Our findings aim to enhance efforts to devise improved strategies for combating viruses, as interferons play a vital role in our innate immune system’s response against viral infections, including COVID-19.”

Co-lead author Christian Peace emphasized the significance of Itaconate, stating, “Itaconate is an intriguing molecule produced by macrophages during infections. While its ability to mitigate harmful inflammation is already known, our research now demonstrates its role in promoting the production of anti-viral interferons.”

The research team is collaborating with pharmaceutical companies Eli Lilly and Sitryx Ltd to explore the potential of Itaconate-based therapies across various medical conditions, including certain autoimmune and infectious diseases. The implications of this work may extend to other health issues where SDH inhibition is relevant, such as certain cancers, potentially providing a new therapeutic avenue for tumors characterized by SDH deficiency.

Professor Luke O’Neill remarked, “Itaconate provides a dual benefit—not only does it counteract harmful inflammation, but it also aids in the fight against infections. We have uncovered essential mechanisms underlying both processes, and we hope that these discoveries will translate into innovative therapies that leverage Itaconate for patient benefit.”

Looking ahead, clinical trials involving patients are scheduled to commence next year, marking a critical step towards applying these findings in real-world medical settings.

This research initiative, led by Trinity, also includes collaboration with scientists from Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, the University of Valladolid in Spain, and Stanford School of Medicine in California, USA.

Source
www.sciencedaily.com