Indian researchers identify how DZIP3 helps cells fight viruses
インドの研究チーム、細胞の抗ウイルス反応を助けるDZIP3の仕組みを解明科学・技術
- Country:
- 🇮🇳 India
- Voice:
- 🇬🇧 Oliver
英語本文
Researchers at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, a research institute in Hyderabad, India, have identified how a protein called DZIP3 helps cells detect and fight viruses. Published on October 21, 2026, the research was led by Santosh Chauhan, with Rinku Sahu as first author. The Indian government’s Department of Biotechnology funded the work.
DZIP3 binds viral RNA, changing shape and becoming active. It then associates with immune proteins RIG-I and MAVS at the membrane of mitochondria, the energy-producing structures inside cells. These signals help activate the innate immune response, promoting production of type-I interferons, defensive molecules that help block viral multiplication.
In laboratory cell experiments, reducing DZIP3 increased viral replication, while increasing its expression suppressed replication. Tested viruses included SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis viruses. Chauhan’s team is developing small-molecule drug candidates intended to boost DZIP3 activity. The antiviral findings concern experiments in cells, and potential treatments remain a research aim rather than a demonstrated clinical therapy.