Prior to a recent study done at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, scientists believed they only way to kill a virus, once it enters a cell, was to kill the entire cell.

No longer the case for some viruses – including the common cold. On a molecular level, this is huge.

I’ll give you a second to process my previous sentence.

Viruses are the biggest threat to humans, claiming twice as many deaths as cancer.

How does it all work?

A virus enters our body through one of many means. Our immune system sends out antibodies in response to deal with the invading virus. These antibodies seek out the virus and attach themselves, actually entering the cell with the virus, like a really good wingman…but not Goose. Goose dies.

These antibodies attract a protein in the cell, called TRIM21, and TRIM21 activates powerful antivirus killers inside the cell, (think something like an antivirus Top Gun squad).

These antivirus killers can break down the virus within hours, long before the virus has the ability to takeover the entire cell.

Researchers believe they can use the TRIM21 protein as a one-for-all booster shot to fend off several common viruses long before they have the ability to claim your cells. Suggested applications include a nasal spray.

I think the only person fond of nasal spray is my other mom.

The entire story can be found here.