'Immune cop': La Jolla scientists identify the lungs' sensor that detects virus that causes COVID-19
Print Scientists at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in La Jolla say they have identified the sensor in human lungs that detects SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and signals the body to mount an antiviral response. The discovery may lead to improved treatment for those diagnosed with the disease. The sensor in the lungs, called MDA-5, was found to be “the immune cop that’s tasked to keep an eye out for SARS-CoV-2 and call for backup,” said Sumit Chanda, director of the immunity and pathogenesis program at SBP and senior author of the study. “MDA-5 reco...