DZIP3 detects viral genetic material inside a cell.
It changes shape and moves to the mitochondria, the cell’s energy factories.
In the mitochondria it activates immune proteins that produce interferons.
Interferons block viruses like COVID‑19, Chikungunya and Japanese Encephalitis from multiplying.
Scientists aim to develop drugs that enhance DZIP3’s alarm function.
When DZIP3 finds viral genetic material, it flips on and travels to the cell’s mitochondria ⚙️.
There it triggers the immune system to release interferons that stop the virus from spreading 🚫.
The discovery could help make new medicines to protect against many illnesses.
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