Researchers have identified a protein that modifies the immune response to the flu and may also help reduce lung inflammation and improve survival during influenza. The researchers studied the survival and lung function of mice with influenza in the lab. “Previous research has shown that mice with naturally higher levels of GM-CSF might be protected from the flu. But in this study, we gave the mice GM-CSF after they got the flu, which is more similar to when a patient gets sick and then you do something to help them. The researchers also examined macrophages -- a type of white blood cell found at sites of infection -- from the mice’s lungs.

Source: Hindustan Times February 08, 2018 06:22 UTC