(MENAFN) A study published in Science Translational Medicine suggests that recreating a rare genetic mutation could provide near-universal immunity to viruses, Science Alert reported.

The mutation involves a deficiency in the interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), which appears to make people almost impervious to viral infections. While individuals with ISG15 deficiency experience mild, persistent inflammation, their antiviral proteins remain constantly active. As a result, they show only minor symptoms even after exposure to common viruses like influenza, measles, and chickenpox.

Columbia University immunologist Dusan Bogunovic, who first identified the mutation 13 years ago, said, “If we could induce this type of light immune activation in others, we could protect them from almost any virus.”

Using technology similar to mRNA vaccines, Bogunovic and colleagues temporarily induced ISG15 deficiency in laboratory mice and hamsters. The treated animals produced ten key antiviral proteins that blocked infections at multiple stages. When exposed to SARS-CoV-2, these proteins restricted the virus without disrupting the rest of the immune system.

Bogunovic emphasized that the treatment generates only a small, temporary amount of these proteins, resulting in far less inflammation than seen in naturally ISG15-deficient individuals—yet still enough to prevent viral diseases.

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