Inflammation of the heart muscle following a viral infection can impede cardiac function in the long term
Inflammation of the heart muscle, also known as myocarditis, is a serious consequence of a viral infection. This can impede the heart’s ability to pump blood in the long term. In a current study, researchers of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Freiburg have discovered a new approach for treating myocarditis. The research team used an animal model to show that the immune cell receptor GPR15 plays a crucial role in combating viruses in cardiac tissue. If these receptors are not present, elimination of the virus is slower, which could consequentially weaken the heart. ...
