Author : Dr. P. D.GUPTA
(Former Director Grade Scientist, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India)
www.daylife.page
In India, unfortunately we worship cow but we do not know its importance. Cow products are used from the antiquity. Milk is the most known product and widely used throughout the globe. Cow-dung is used from building material to special fertiliser. Cow urine is used in many drug preparations. Now, comes, another product, the cow mucin!!! A Couple of days ago, a remarkable research data came from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden which shows that mucus from cow can kill deadly viruses like HIV (with 70% efficacy) and herpes (80% efficacy). Mucin molecules are biologically complex so they are effective at stopping HIV and herpes without the risk of side effects or development of resistance as with other antiviral compounds, the researchers said.
What is Mucin?
Mucins are made by the specialized secretory cells in the linings of the respiratory (lungs to nose), gastrointestinal (mouth to anus) and urogenital (reproductive) tracts. Mucus is a complex mixture of mucins (properties with natural defence in the body). It is a complex of carbohydrates and proteins produced in the body which lines our mouth and nose in a form of gel. There are at least 21 genes responsible for making human mucins, of which 14 are expressed in airway epithelial cells (lungs nose, and mouth).
Importance of Mucins
As most COVID-19 tests are based on nasal swabs or saliva samples that measure the amount of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the mouth or nose, it is important to understand how immunity to the virus develops in these mucous membranes.
FIG 1 Mucosal defense in the respiratory tract during SARS-CoV-2 infection. (A) Human upper and lower respiratory tracts. (B) Respiratory epithelium with ciliated cells, goblet cells, and a submucosal gland.
Functionally, mucins work as a barrier against infection and dehydration. Mucins reduced immune cell activation, which is important because activated immune cells can stimulate HIV replication. Further, mucine containing gels is highly selective barrier for transport of water and nutrients, while blocking penetration of pathogens and foreign particles in the system. The gel could help more people take greater control of their sexual health by offering protection when a condom is not an available option, or as a backup in case of condom failure or incorrect use, according to the researchers. Because of this property when we get some viral infection, we have running nose, in order to clear the infection.
Unfortunately, most COVID-19 studies have focused exclusively on serum antibodies. Researchers from the University at Buffalo suggested that more research should focus on investigating the effect of mucosal immune responses in the development of adaptive immunity during COVID-19 disease.
Though, cow mucin is only at the preliminary stage, however, I’m sure gel made from cow mucin will be able to curb all known viruses. As it is said that any new diseases appear, its control measures already exists, only thing is that we have to search for it. (The author has his own study and views)
