Jerusalem, Amid a renewed surge of COVID-19 cases, researchers in Israel have made a startling discovery about the virus’s behavior. A recent study published in the journal Cell Reports reveals that a specific protein of the coronavirus, called the nucleocapsid protein (NP), can directly or indirectly attack healthy human cells, potentially leading to severe infections and long COVID.
Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that NP does not remain confined to infected cells. Instead, it spreads to nearby healthy epithelial cells. When this protein binds to the surface of these healthy cells, the body’s immune system misidentifies them as threats and begins to produce antibodies against them.
Immune System Misfires, Triggering Inflammation
According to the study, the presence of NP on healthy cells activates the classical complement pathway — a part of the immune system that can cause inflammation, tissue damage, and severe COVID-19 symptoms. This immune response creates confusion within the body, causing it to attack its own healthy cells.
Old Drug Offers New Hope
Interestingly, scientists discovered that an existing blood-thinning medication, Enoxaparin, could block this harmful interaction. Enoxaparin, a modified form of heparin, was found to prevent NP from binding to healthy cells. Laboratory tests and analysis of patient samples confirmed its effectiveness.
Paving the Way for Potential Treatments
The findings not only provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind severe COVID-19 and long COVID but also open the door to new treatment strategies. Scientists believe that this breakthrough could guide the development of drugs to counteract immune-related complications from COVID-19 and possibly other viral infections.
Growing Concern Over NB 1.8.1 Variant
Meanwhile, the new COVID-19 subvariant NB 1.8.1, a descendant of the Omicron lineage, is rapidly spreading worldwide. First identified in January 2025, the variant has already reached countries including India, the United States, the UK, Australia, China, Maldives, and Egypt.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized it as a “variant under monitoring,” meaning it is not currently considered a major threat but warrants close observation due to its rising transmission rate.
This study marks a crucial step forward in understanding COVID-19’s complex effects on the immune system and could lead to more targeted and effective treatments in the future.
