Antioxidants Can Be Used Against Flu Viruses
Foods that Block Free Radicals Affect the Influenza Virus' Lifecycle
Nov 1, 2009
Scientists hope that by studying the mechanisms by which influenza viruses replicate and damage cells, they will be able to find novel ways to prevent and treat influenza infections.
Antioxidants Stop Free Radicals
Antioxidants are best known for their role in protecting cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are thought to play a negative role in many diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Free radicals do so by disrupting a cell’s DNA causing mutations than can lead to cancer or lead to botched protein production. Antioxidants act by stopping the free radical damaging reactions. Antioxidants are found in many food substances that contain beta-carotene, vitamins A, C and E such as blueberries, cranberries and red wine.
The Role of the M2 Protein in Influenza Virus Infection
The M2 protein is a part of the ion channel of the viral envelope. These types of proteins (ion channel proteins) help control the charge gradient across the viral envelope regulating the flow of ions. The M2 protein’s ion channel allows the flow of hydrogen ions which control the pH within the virus. At low a pH (high concentration of hydrogen ions), the process of uncoating the virus is started. The virus once uncoated, releases its cell's contents into the lung’s epithelial cell, effectively beginning a flu infection. Most antiviral drugs act by blocking the virus’ ion channels disrupting the virus’ life cycle.
Flu Viruses Infect and Replicate the Lung Cells
Viruses target specific cells and in the case of the influenza virus, the targets are the epithelial cells or the cells within the lungs. The M2 protein once in the human lung cell interferes with the cell’s ion channels. These channels affect the epithelial lung cell’s ability to remove fluid from the lungs. The fluid buildup in the lungs can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis and other lung problems. The fluid filled lungs also make it difficult for oxygen to be absorbed into the blood stream. These are a part of the symptoms of the flu.
M2 Protein and Free Radicals
Researchers found that the virus’ M2 protein targeted the human’s lung cells through a system that involves free radicals (Lazrak A., et al. “Influenza virus M2 protein inhibits epithelial sodium channels by increasing reactive oxygen species”. The FASEB Journal, 2009 Abstract). This research can be used as a starting point to developing new drug targets that block viral activity.
This research also alludes to the possibility of using antioxidant activity to block the virus’ M2 protein initiated free radical damage. Drinking an occasional glass of red wine or eating cranberries and blueberries may help slow down an H1N1 influenza infection.
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