All this to say the present study is an exciting one – researchers are basically on to a way that helps decrease the shelf life of a common cold. The researchers determined that at a slightly cooler temperature (33 degrees C), key immune system proteins – interferons – were impaired, allowing the cold virus to reproduce and spread in mouse airway cells.
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They examined infected cells that had developed at 37 or 33 degrees C. They found even the absence of interferon could not prevent cells from controlling the virus. The optimum temperature for producing cold fighting agents is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
Researchers investigated further to find more evidences; they used mathematical modeling and found that two additional cold fighting mechanisms exist.
But when the affected cells were placed under normal core body temperatures, the cold virus died off faster and was not able to replicate.
The Yale researchers discovered that with the sample of common cold virus they incubated at the colder temperature, infected cells were less likely to commit suicide, aiding in the spread of the virus.
The incubated cells tried to create interferons, as they spot the cold virus near them.
“In this study, we found that there are two additional mechanisms at play”, in addition to interferon, Iwasaki said. Researchers also suggested ways that could help tackle cold virus. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands as an additional precaution, the CDC said – and simply limit close contact with anyone you suspect is carrying a virus.
The research carried out by scientists at Yale University, showed body temperature has a direct affect on the immune system and how it responds to the cold and flu virus. The cells were kept at a regular body temperature of 37 Celsius degrees, while others were kept under a body temperature of 33 Celsius degrees.
Warmer body temperatures also seemed to help on another front.
In addition to this, an enzyme called RNAseL – responsible for attacking and destroying viral genes – also worked harder at higher temperatures. Their past study, which was conducted on mice, found that at several degrees below the normal body temperature, interferons that fought viruses were less able to perform their job.
Cold winter weather really can play a significant role in humans getting the common cold, the Yale research study findings indicate, because when a person’s body temperature gets colder, it becomes more hard for one’s immune system to fight against the rhinovirus virus that causes the common cold. “The research, published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, may provide additional strategies for developing therapies for colds”, according to a news report published by Eurek Alert.
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The human airways cells are tasked with the production of interferons, proteins part of of the immune system.
