New research, in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, details how a small protein called retrocyclin-101 could improve symptoms and reduce mortality associated with influenza infection.
Researchers found RC-101 targets both the influenza virus and the inflammation it causes.
The team isolated mouse and human macrophages in vitro and found RC-101 inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines. They also used a mouse influenza infection model and infected two groups of mice with a lethal dose of the flu. They gave one group RC-101, starting two days after infection and lasting for five days. They gave the other group placebo.
The RC-101-treated mice showed less severe flu symptoms as well as a lower mortality rate, compared to the control group.