Scientists discover 'switch' to boost anti-viral response to fight infectious diseases

Singapore scientists from Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI) under the Agency of Science, Technology and Research have for the first time, identified the molecular ‘switch’ that directly triggers the body’s first line of defence against pathogens, more accurately known as the body’s “innate immunity”. The scientists found that this ‘switch’ called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) when turned on, activates the production of interferons - a potent class of virus killers that enables the body to fight harmful pathogens such as dengue and influenza viruses.