HSP70 inhibits influenza A virus replication in cultured cells and mice.
Heat shock protein 70 can interfere with influenza A virus replication in preclinical models. Researchers examined how HSP70 interacted with the viral ribonucleoprotein complex, the machinery influenza uses to copy and express its genome.
In cultured cells, HSP70 interacted with the viral polymerase proteins PB1 and PB2, disrupted the integrity of the ribonucleoprotein complex, and reduced viral transcription and replication. Experiments in mice also found that administered HSP70 inhibited viral replication.
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The findings identify one way a cellular stress-response protein can influence influenza biology. They do not demonstrate that sauna or another form of heat exposure prevents influenza in people. A clinically meaningful effect would require heat exposure to produce the right amount of HSP70 in the relevant airway cells at the right point during infection - none of which this study tested.
The relationship between HSP70 and influenza is also context-dependent; later research has found that normal and overexpressed levels can have different effects on viral polymerase activity. This paper therefore provides a mechanistic lead, not a human sauna or influenza-treatment result.