Summary
Scientists have found that viruses like the flu might spread in the body by using traces left by dying cells to move and hide. This discovery involves a new type of package left by dead cells that can be used by viruses to spread infection. Researchers plan to explore how this finding might help develop better drugs.
Key Facts
- Scientists from Australia and Canada discovered how dying cells leave behind a "footprint" used by viruses.
- This footprint involves a special type of extracellular vesicle (EV), which are tiny packages that carry materials between cells.
- The flu virus can hide in these vesicles, much like using a “Trojan Horse,” to infect nearby cells.
- The discovery shows that dying cells undergo specific changes that help them communicate with the immune system.
- Understanding this cell communication could lead to new treatments for various diseases.
- Future research includes testing these findings in mice and patient samples for further validation.
