Sea Anemones Reveal an Antiviral Brake Essential to Fight Viruses
Researchers found that sea anemones use CARDIB, a protein that suppresses antiviral defenses, yet is essential for mounting an effective response—revealing a different immune pathway from humans' MAVS. CRISPR removal made animals highly susceptible to infection, and outdoor mesocosm tests showed the pathway matters in nature, indicating multiple, independent antiviral strategies evolved across animals.