Hypochlorous Acid Inhibits Viral Replication by Interfering with Viral Protein Assembly in Non-myeloid Cells
HOCl Trust opinion
While this paper has not been subject to peer review and publication, it has a research theme which we think is highly relevant to any study of the significance of HOCl in virus replication, most interestingly, the role of chloride ions from common salt in facilitating the enhanced production of HOCl in immune system cells.
Abstract
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a substance made by the immune system that can kill bacteria and viruses. It is normally produced by immune cells using an enzyme called myeloperoxidase (MPO). This study shows that regular human cells (not just immune cells) can also make HOCl when they have enough salt (sodium chloride or NaCl). Adding more salt helped these cells produce more HOCl, especially in the early stages of a viral infection. This stopped viruses from building their protective shells, which are needed to spread. The process involved enzymes like MPO and DUOX1/2, showing these are needed for HOCl production in non-immune cells. The salt did not affect viral genes alone, but it did stop full virus particles from forming. The team even created a version of the herpes virus that could resist this salt-based response, showing the virus can adapt. These findings help explain how salt boosts natural defenses in human cells.
Date: 2024
Source