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Sunday, May 14, 2023
Bats' unique ability to host viruses without getting sick led to the discovery of a protein that fights inflammation and aging in humans.
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Scientists focused on inflammasomes, which cause excessive inflammation in diseases and contribute to age-related decline.
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They found that a bat protein called ASC2 can effectively inhibit inflammasomes, reducing inflammation.
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Bats, known as a potential source of the COVID-19 virus, may hold valuable insights for improving human health.
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ASC2's high activity helps bats control inflammation, contributing to their long lifespan and virus-reservoir status.
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In experiments with mice, the bat protein suppressed inflammation and lessened disease severity, including virus-driven conditions.
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Detailed examination revealed four crucial amino acids in ASC2 that enhance its anti-inflammatory effectiveness compared to its human counterpart.
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This knowledge is valuable for developing drugs that mimic the bat protein's anti-inflammatory properties.
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The research team has filed patents and seeks partnerships to explore drug discovery and develop new anti-inflammatory medications.
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