CSIR-CCMB Researchers Identify DZIP3 Protein as Cellular Antiviral Alarm Switch

Scientists at CSIR-CCMB have discovered that the DZIP3 protein detects viral RNA and triggers immune defenses by activating Type-I interferons. The research team is currently developing small-molecule drug candidates to boost DZIP3 activity and target emerging viral threats.

HYDERABAD — Researchers at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) have identified a cellular protein that acts as an alarm switch against viral infections.

According to a study published in The EMBO Journal, a protein named DZIP3 detects the genetic material of viruses entering human cells and sets off immune defenses. The research team was led by Santosh Chauhan, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-CCMB, with Rinku Sahu serving as the study's first author. The project also involved collaborators from various national and international institutions and received funding from the Department of Biotechnology.

When a virus enters a human cell, it attempts to multiply rapidly before the host body can respond. The CCMB study shows that DZIP3 addresses this by changing its shape to turn itself on upon detecting viral RNA inside the cell. The protein then moves to the mitochondria—the cell's energy factories—where it tags and activates major immune defense proteins. This process releases defensive molecules known as Type-I interferons, which block the virus from multiplying.

The research institute stated on Thursday that the identified pathway provides broad protection against several disease-causing viruses. These include SARS-CoV-2, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis viruses. The group first hypothesised about seven years ago that a set of human proteins could play a dual role in spotting viral genetic material and raising the cellular alarm.

Following these findings, the team is now working on developing small-molecule drug candidates designed to boost DZIP3 activity and strengthen the body's natural antiviral immunity.

"Targeting DZIP3 with small molecules could lead to broad-spectrum antiviral therapies against emerging viral threats," stated Santosh Chauhan, the study's lead author.

"This scientific discovery from CSIR-CCMB highlights the critical economic and societal value of long-term R&D in biotechnology. Research into broad-spectrum antiviral pathways like DZIP3 not only advances fundamental science but also lays the groundwork for future commercial applications in pharmaceuticals and drug development. Sustained investments by institutions and government bodies into domestic scientific research are essential for creating scalable health solutions and fostering innovation-driven enterprises." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes