Dermcidin: The Body's Natural Defense Against Influenza and Respiratory Viruses
A groundbreaking study led by the Fisabio Foundation has revealed that dermcidin, an antimicrobial peptide naturally produced by the human body, possesses antiviral activity against the influenza virus. The research indicates that individuals who do not develop flu-like symptoms exhibit higher baseline levels of this molecule, suggesting a link to lower susceptibility to infection.
Researchers from multiple national and international centers collaborated on this significant discovery.
"Dermcidin, present in sweat and known for its antibacterial and antifungal activity, also shows antiviral activity against the influenza virus and can interfere with infection, as observed in in vitro and in vivo models." — Dr. María D. Ferrer, Head of the Antimicrobial Peptides and Glycobiology group at Fisabio.
Dr. Álex Mira, co-director of the study, highlighted that these findings suggest the human body possesses natural mechanisms capable of curbing viral infection, potentially paving the way for the development of new antivirals.
A Novel Mechanism to Combat Infection
The study pinpointed a new and crucial mechanism of action for dermcidin. It acts by binding to hemagglutinin, a protein essential for the influenza virus to enter cells. This binding occurs at a key, highly conserved region involved in the fusion process.
This interaction induces a conformational change in the viral protein, which in turn impairs the virus's ability to fuse with the cell membrane and initiate infection. This mechanism effectively inactivates the virus before it can even infect the cell.
A Broad-Spectrum Defense, Beyond Existing Antivirals
This mode of action offers a significant advantage over most currently available antivirals, which typically target neuraminidase, another viral protein, and against which resistance is increasingly observed.
Dr. Ferrer explained that by acting on viral regions that show minimal change between subtypes, dermcidin could contribute to defense against various variants of the influenza virus. Dr. Mira further suggested that this principle might extend to other respiratory viruses, such as measles virus and coronaviruses associated with the common cold, hinting at a broad-spectrum effect.
This principle might extend to other respiratory viruses, such as measles virus and coronaviruses associated with the common cold, suggesting a broad-spectrum effect.
Widespread Presence and Innate Immunity Role
The research team discovered that dermcidin is present not only in sweat but also in the main entry points for respiratory viruses, including the nasopharynx, saliva, and tears.
Dr. Paula Corell, the study's first author, explained that baseline levels of dermcidin are up to six times higher in individuals who do not develop flu-like symptoms compared to susceptible individuals. Its concentration also increases significantly during a respiratory infection, strongly supporting the idea that dermcidin is a vital part of the innate immune system's first line of defense against such infections.
Paving the Way for New Antiviral Strategies
Researchers propose that dermcidin represents a promising candidate for the development of new strategies to combat respiratory viral infections. The team is also actively investigating whether dermcidin may play an immunomodulatory role.
These findings open new research avenues for antivirals based on the body's natural molecules that act on highly conserved viral regions, potentially reducing the development of resistance and enhancing effectiveness against various respiratory viruses.