What if your own cells could be trained to fight off viruses more effectively? New research from MIT and partner institutions suggests that it may soon be possible. Scientists have identified compounds that activate a natural stress response inside human cells—one that makes it harder for viruses to spread.

Unlike traditional antivirals, which target specific viruses, these compounds boost the body’s built-in defenses. In lab tests, they protected human cells from a range of viruses and helped mice recover faster from a herpes infection. The approach strengthens the body’s response, allowing it to react quicker and more forcefully to infection.

Researchers believe this could lead to broad-spectrum antiviral drugs—treatments that work against many viruses at once. While more testing is needed, experts are hopeful this breakthrough could change how we fight viral diseases in the future.

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Medical Xpress, July 17, 2025