Israeli Scientists Reveal COVID-19 Protein Attacks Healthy Cells, Fueling Severe Illness
New Delhi: 11 June 2025
Amid rising concerns over a new COVID-19 wave, Israeli scientists have uncovered a startling mechanism behind the virus’s dangerous behavior. In a breakthrough study published in the journal Cell Reports, researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem revealed that a specific viral protein — the nucleocapsid protein (NP) — not only affects infected cells but also attacks neighboring healthy epithelial cells.
The study explains that this NP protein doesn’t remain confined to the infected cells. Instead, it spreads and binds to the surface of nearby healthy cells, triggering the immune system to misidentify them as threats. As a result, the body starts producing antibodies against its own healthy tissues.
Immune System Deceived
According to the researchers, the presence of the NP protein on healthy cells activates the classical complement pathway — a part of the immune system that causes inflammation, tissue damage, and contributes to severe COVID-19 symptoms. This misfiring immune response leads to immune confusion, where the body turns against itself, attacking healthy cells and worsening the infection.
Old Drug, New Hope
In a promising development, scientists found that Enoxaparin, a commonly used blood thinner, can effectively block this process. A modified form of heparin, Enoxaparin was shown in lab tests and patient samples to prevent the NP protein from attaching to healthy cells, potentially halting the immune misfire.
Paving the Way for New Treatments
This research not only deepens our understanding of how COVID-19 causes severe illness but also opens new avenues for therapeutic strategies. Scientists believe that the findings could lead to the development of treatments for COVID-19 and other viral infections that manipulate the immune system in similar ways.
Rising Global Concern Over NB 1.8.1 Covid Variant
Meanwhile, a new variant of COVID-19 — NB 1.8.1 — is rapidly spreading worldwide. First detected in January 2025, this variant is a member of the Omicron family and has been reported in India, the United States, the UK, Australia, China, Maldives, and Egypt.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed it as a “variant under monitoring.” While not currently labeled a major threat, its fast spread calls for continued vigilance and monitoring.
This Israeli study marks a significant step forward in decoding the complex nature of COVID-19 and the immune system’s paradoxical reactions — potentially reshaping future treatment protocols.
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