New protein may help in fighting viruses

DALLAS, Aug 25, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Dallas researchers found a newly-discovered protein is vital to the immune system's ability to fight off viral infections.

Researchers at the University of Texas' Southwestern Medical Center say their findings may lead to new therapies aimed at preventing and treating viral diseases such as the flu, hepatitis, West Nile virus and SARS.

Dr. Zhijian "James" Chen found the protein in an unexpected place -- the membrane of an organelle called the mitochondrion.

"This is the first mitochondrial protein known to be involved in immune defense against any microbial infection," said Chen. "This discovery puts mitochondria on the map in terms of immunity, and it opens up a new avenue of research in immunology."

The study is available online and will appear in the Sept. 9 issue of the journal Cell.