Episode 78: Benjamin Krishna - Interferon Gamma

Dr Benjamin Krishna and the Virology & Immunology team at Cambridge University have identified a protein, elevated in the blood of Long Covid patients, that could act as a potential biomarker for the condition.  This week, we spoke to Dr Krishna about their study, published in Science, which sampled the blood of Long Covid patients across several years. They found Interferon Gamma (IFNɣ) at, an average of, six times the normal level.  IFNɣ is a key protein in the body’s immune response, a moderator of inflammation and a mediator for fighting infection.  These raised levels of IFNɣ are indicative of the immune system remaining active throughout Long Covid.  The team found that levels returned to normal in patients once they recovered from the disease. 

These findings could help develop treatment strategies and offer a clear diagnosis for some Long Covid patients.

Living with Long Covid? How was your week?

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