HMN 2026: What is the new way to strengthen the body’s defense against respiratory viruses

Researchers have discovered a new method to boost the body’s natural ability to fight respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), one of the leading causes of severe lung infections worldwide.

An international team, involving scientists from the University of Liverpool, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Oxford Institute (COI), and the University of Zurich, found that activating a key oxygen-sensing pathway in cells can significantly limit viral replication and improve antiviral immunity.

The paper, “Hypoxia inducible factors regulate Pneumovirus replication by enhancing innate immune sensing,” is published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Reprogramming the immune response

The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway helps cells respond to low oxygen. The researchers activated the HIF pathway using Daprodustat, a drug already approved for clinical use. This treatment enhanced the body’s innate immune response, the first line of defense against viral infection, by boosting the expression of antiviral genes and interferon signaling.

Crucially, the study revealed that this effect depends on the body’s ability to detect viral genetic material. When key viral sensing pathways were blocked, the protective effect of HIF activation was lost, highlighting the importance of early immune detection.

Making viruses more visible

The team also uncovered a previously unrecognized mechanism by which HIF activation improves immune defense. Central to this process is a chemical modification of RNA known as N6-methyladenosine (m?A), which is commonly added to viral RNA and can help viruses evade immune recognition.

The researchers found that activation of the HIF pathway promotes “eraser proteins” that remove m?A modifications on RSV RNA. This reduction in m?A modifications resulted in the viral genome being more readily detectable by cellular RNA sensors, which are responsible for triggering antiviral interferon responses.

Dr. Peter Wing, COI said, “By stripping away a layer of molecular camouflage, HIF activation enhances the ability of host cells to recognize the virus and mount a rapid immune response. This discovery highlights a new link between cellular metabolism, RNA modification, and antiviral defense.”

Professor James Stewart, University of Liverpool commented, “Respiratory syncytial virus remains a leading cause of hospitalization worldwide, particularly in young children, with limited treatment options available. Our findings suggest that repurposing existing drugs that target the HIF pathway could offer a new therapeutic approach.

“The study provides fresh insight into how oxygen-sensing pathways interact with antiviral immunity and opens new avenues for the development of treatments against respiratory viral infections.”

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