Researchers are discovering peptide for curing colds

Will it be possible to treat colds easily and quickly in the future??
Especially in the cold season many people develop a cold. There is hardly anyone who has never suffered from a cold. Researchers have now discovered a small molecule in the immune system of humans and animals, which could be used to cure colds.

Researchers at Edinburgh Napier University found in their research that a particular molecule could contribute to the effective healing of colds. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Peptides".

Every year many people suffer from the effects of a cold. Researchers have now discovered a molecule that could be used in the future for the cure of colds. (Image: ladysuzi / fotolia.com)

Medical professionals are discovering new ways to treat colds
Every year many people fall ill with a cold, some even several times in a year. The UK research team has now discovered new ways to treat colds based on antimicrobial peptides.

Peptides can fight rhinovirus
A five-year peptides study on various mammals found that certain peptides have all the properties needed to combat the rhinovirus. This virus is responsible for most colds, explain the researchers.

New drugs could protect against asthma and COPD
Scientists now hope to use the study's findings to develop cold-cure medicines that can protect patients from chronic lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Therapies for the treatment of rhinovirus are needed
There is no cure yet and no rhinovirus vaccine. For this reason, the development of effective therapies for the human rhinovirus is urgently needed, say the experts. The virus is the main cause of colds and one of the most common causes of viral infections of the respiratory tract, explains author. Peter Barlow in a press release from Edinburgh Napier University.

Increasing the peptides provides protection against colds
An earlier investigation by Dr. Barlow already highlighted the potential of antimicrobial peptides in the fight against influenza A virus. The scientists said that treatments that increase the level of antimicrobial peptides can provide significant protection against colds.

Physicians are studying antimicrobial peptides from pigs and sheep
The current study has broadened the existing research into the use of antimicrobial peptides to combat rhinovirus. Using synthesized peptides in the laboratory, researchers investigated the effects of various peptides on human rhinovirus-infected lung cells.

Peptides successfully attacked the rhinovirus
The scientists found that the peptides successfully attacked the virus. This could give indications for the development of new treatment approaches on the basis of natural peptides.

Future medications could cure colds
The results are an exciting discovery and in our next steps, we will modify the peptide to further enhance it in the fight against the virus, says author Professor Dr. Barlow. The research is still at an early stage, but we will try to develop drugs that have the potential to cure a cold, the expert adds. (As)