Scientists have discovered the pandemic-causing coronavirus is unique in short-circuiting the safest way our immune system kills off a virus, which could have implications for treating COVID-19 with interferon. Interferon describes a family of proteins produced by the body's immune system in response to an invading viral infection. "It's kind of like a stealth virus," Feld said of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. In this photo illustration, a replica of SARS-CoV-2 is placed next to test tubes with samples of blood being tested for COVID-19. When we're fighting off a flu virus, blame interferon for feeling so crummy, feverish and achy as your immune system kicks into high gear.

Source: CBC News June 05, 2020 07:52 UTC