Using Viruses to Fight the Flu

Apr-01-20 Scientists in Berlin have created virus cells that the flu virus latches onto in the body, preventing them from taking hold and causing infection.

Rather than killing an invading virus, the bacteriophages (phages) act as a kind of trap by mimicking lung cells which the virus then latches on to, rendering it ineffective.

Mathematical models revealed that the non-infectious phage capsid completely encapsulated the virus and was effective against several flu strains including avian flu viruses.

Although this novel approach is compelling, still to be determined is whether the phages would trigger an immune response in people and whether the flu might develop resistance to the phages.

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