A new study reveals that a COVID-19 protein could cause the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy cells, contributing to severe symptoms and long COVID.
In a significant development, researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have identified a key mechanism through which the COVID-19 virus may worsen disease severity. The study reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s nucleocapsid protein (NP) can trigger the immune system to attack the body’s own healthy cells — a finding that could offer new insight into both severe COVID-19 symptoms and long COVID cases.
The nucleocapsid protein, which plays a central role in packaging the virus’s genetic material inside infected cells, was found to travel to nearby uninfected cells. Once it binds to the surface of these healthy cells, the immune system mistakenly recognizes it as a foreign threat. As a result, anti-NP antibodies begin targeting these cells, causing inflammation and tissue damage — processes that can contribute to respiratory complications and prolonged post-COVID symptoms.
However, the study also offers a potential breakthrough in treatment. Researchers discovered that enoxaparin, a commonly used blood thinner, can block NP from binding to healthy cells. This finding could pave the way for developing new therapies aimed at reducing immune-related complications in COVID-19 patients.
At the same time, a new variant of COVID-19, NB.1.8.1, has emerged and is spreading across several countries. First detected in January 2025, this variant belongs to the Omicron lineage and has already been reported in regions including India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, China, the Maldives, and Egypt. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated NB.1.8.1 as a “Variant Under Monitoring,” meaning its transmission is notable enough to be observed closely, although it is not yet considered a major threat.
As of the latest update, India has reported a total of 7,400 active COVID-19 cases, with 269 new cases recorded in the past 24 hours as on June 14, 2025. Since January 1, 2025, a cumulative 11,967 patients have recovered or been discharged, including 991 recoveries in the last day. The total number of deaths stands at 87, with 9 new fatalities reported. Maharashtra, Kerala, and Delhi continue to report higher active cases and deaths compared to other regions, with Kerala logging the highest number of fatalities in a single day. States like Gujarat, Karnataka, and West Bengal also account for a significant portion of the active caseload.
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