Virus triggers immune proteins to aid enemy

Attack on antibody cells may explain persistence of chronic infections

interferon in B cells

GOING VIRAL When scientists stopped virus-infected mice from making type 1 interferon proteins, the mice had 20 times more virus-fighting B cells (right) than mice making the proteins (left).

Fallet et al/Science Immunology 2016

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Crucial immune system proteins that make it harder for viruses to replicate might also help the attackers avoid detection, three new studies suggest.