'Decoy' cells to fight viruses

Nanotechnology may inhibit flu viruses

Artificially-created decoys which keep viruses away from real human cells could prove another line of defence from infections.

When a virus attacks the human body, it latches onto receptors found on the outside of cells - then replicates inside the cell before bursting out to infect many more.

The "nanodecoys" are the same size as ordinary cells, and covered in the same receptors which allow the viruses to "dock".

But once the viruses lock onto these molecules, they are locked in place and unable to replicate.

Slowing infection

If many millions of these tiny decoys are injected into a human, it could slow - or perhaps even stop - the spread of infections.

The nanodecoys were created by the Center for Biologic Technology at the University of Michigan, and early results reported at the annual meeting of the US National Chemical Society.

They have dubbed their creation "molecular flypaper".

The team were able to overcome the problem of creating a non-toxic polymer to which the necessary receptors, called sialic acid receptors, can be attached.

In the laboratory, the nanodecoys were able to inhibit one particular influenza virus from infecting human cells in a test tube.

Now testing has moved onto mice to see if they work and are safe.

Most anti-viral treatments aim to work after the virus has entered the cell, whereas this one actually attempts to prevent infection, giving it a theoretical advantage.

Dr Roseita Esfand, one of the lead researchers, said that the decoys could either be deployed throughout the whole body, or on particular areas through which foreign viruses enter the body, such as the mucosal areas of the nose and throat.

She said: "We hope that in the near future we will be able to use this strategy for more complex systems.

"Instead of targeting the virus, we will be targeting cell specific receptors as a strategy to deliver therapy to a diseased site."