Topic: Biology
Researchers at La Trobe University found a new biological process that helps explain how viruses move through the body. They discovered 'footprints of death' left behind by dying cells, which can hide viral particles and help them spread.
Dying cells leave behind a residue called 'the footprint of death'. This is made up of tiny particles called Extracellular Vesicles (EVs). EVs carry proteins, lipids, DNA, and RNA to other cells. The researchers found that these EVs remain at the site where a cell has died and act like breadcrumb trails for the immune system to remove cellular debris before it can trigger unwanted inflammation.
When viruses infect cells, they can hide inside these EVs, allowing them to spread to neighboring cells while remaining concealed within the body's normal disposal process. This discovery could lead to new opportunities for developing treatments that better support the immune system.
The research was led by PhD candidate Stephanie Rutter and Professor Ivan Poon at La Trobe University. They found that the steps involved in cell death are far more organized and important than scientists previously realized.
Why It Matters
Understanding how viruses spread can help us develop new treatments for diseases like influenza. This discovery could also improve our understanding of autoimmune disorders, which affect many people in India.
Key Facts
- Researchers at La Trobe University discovered a new biological process that helps explain how viruses move through the body
- Dying cells leave behind 'footprints of death' made up of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs)
- Viruses can hide inside these EVs, allowing them to spread to neighboring cells while remaining concealed within the body's normal disposal process
Key Terms
- Extracellular Vesicles
- Tiny particles released by cells that carry proteins, lipids, DNA, and RNA to other cells
Implications
Understanding how viruses spread can help us develop new treatments for diseases like influenza. This discovery could also improve our understanding of autoimmune disorders, which affect many people in India.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260623014028.htm
Journal Reference:
- Stephanie F. Rutter, Taeyoung Kang, Gemma F. Ryan, Bo Shi, Caitlin L. Vella, Pradeep Rajasekhar, Sean W. Cutter, Amy L. Hodge, Dilara C. Ozkocak, Ching-Seng Ang, Julian Ratcliffe, Katrina J. Binger, Pamali Foneska, Suresh Mathivanan, Niall D. Geoghegan, Kelly L. Rogers, Michael F. Olson, Georgia K. Atkin-Smith, Ivan K. H. Poon. The formation of the ‘footprint of death’ as a mechanism for generating large substrate-bound extracellular vesicles that mark the site of cell death. Nature Communications, 2025; 16 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64206-3
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