Smallpox is caused by the variola virus. The virus spreads through the air, and it can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, rash, and vomiting. In severe cases, smallpox can be fatal.
Scientists have long known that the variola virus attacks the immune system, but they didn't know exactly how the virus killed. The new study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, has finally revealed the answer.
The researchers found that the variola virus produces a protein that blocks the body's ability to produce interferon. Interferon is a protein that helps the body fight off viral infections. By blocking interferon, the variola virus can make the body more susceptible to infection and death.
The findings could lead to new treatments for smallpox. For example, scientists could develop drugs that block the variola virus from producing the protein that blocks interferon. Such drugs could help the body fight off the infection and prevent death.
Smallpox was once a major killer, but it was eradicated through a global vaccination program. However, the variola virus is still alive in laboratory stocks, and there is concern that it could be used as a bioweapon. The new findings could help to protect against such a threat.
In addition to the potential for new treatments, the findings could also help scientists to better understand other viral infections. For example, the researchers found that the variola virus uses a similar mechanism to kill as the influenza virus. This suggests that drugs that block the variola virus from producing the protein that blocks interferon could also be effective against influenza.
The new findings are a significant advance in our understanding of smallpox and other viral infections. They could lead to new treatments that could save lives.
