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The Conversation USA

Your immune system makes its own antiviral drug − and it's likely one of the most ancient

  • Written by Neil Marsh, Professor of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan
imageBlocking viruses from replicating their RNA is one way antivirals work.CROCOTHERY/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Antiviral drugs are generally considered to be a 20th century invention. But recent research has uncovered an unexpected facet to your immune system: It can synthesize its own antiviral molecules in response to viral infections.

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