Campinas, Brazil – Researchers from the State University of Campinas in Brazil and the Pasteur Institute in Lille, France, have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against influenza. Their study revealed that a gut-derived molecule called indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) could potentially treat influenza by reducing viral activity and inflammation in mice. This discovery opens up possibilities for future human trials to confirm these results.
The experiments conducted on mice showed a significant decrease in viral load and inflammation when they were administered with a specific substance. The naturally occurring gut molecule, IPA, played a crucial role in preventing and treating influenza.
The project, supported by FAPESP and led by researchers Marco Vinolo and François Trottein, used a multi-layered approach to analyze the effects of IPA on influenza infection. By integrating data from metagenomics, metabolomics, and clinical markers, the researchers were able to pinpoint the important role of IPA in reducing viral load and inflammation in infected animals.
Supplementation of synthetic IPA in animals led to promising results, prompting researchers to explore the potential of IPA as a biomarker for influenza resistance and as a target for microbiome-based interventions to treat flu. The study also shed light on the production of IPA by gut bacteria metabolizing tryptophan, an essential amino acid found in various food sources.
In addition to its potential in fighting influenza, IPA supplementation has shown positive effects on metabolic disorders, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory factors. The researchers have even filed for a patent on the use of IPA supplementation to prevent and combat flu, with plans for further clinical trials in the pipeline.
Looking ahead, the research team is also investigating the role of IPA in infections caused by other viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The findings so far indicate a similar pattern of reduced viral load and inflammation, prompting further exploration into IPA’s potential in bacterial infections as well.
Overall, the study signifies a significant step forward in understanding the interaction between gut microbiota and host cells during inflammation. The potential of IPA as a therapeutic agent for influenza and other diseases opens up new avenues for research and treatment strategies in the field of microbiome-based interventions.