"Novel Compound Blocks Influenza-Related Lung Damage"
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine have developed a compound, UH15-38, that can block necroptosis, a cell death response triggered by the influenza virus, and prevent life-threatening lung tissue injury in mice. The compound was found to effectively restrict viral replication without causing massive damage to the lungs, offering a potential therapeutic option for severe flu infections and other viruses that induce severe respiratory symptoms. If successful in further trials, this approach could provide a means of protecting against future pandemics and respiratory diseases by addressing harmful inflammation in the lungs.