Scientists have found a brand‑new way that sea anemones protect themselves from viruses. The discovery shows that animal immune systems can be very different from what we thought.
New Protein Found in Sea Anemones
Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of North Carolina studied sea anemones, tiny marine animals that split from the line that later led to humans over 600 million years ago. They discovered a protein they named CARDIB (CARD Inhibitor Binding protein). At first, CARDIB looked a lot like MAVS, a key antiviral protein in humans.
Why the Protein Acts Like a Brake
Instead of helping the immune system, CARDIB actually slows it down. When the scientists used CRISPR to delete the CARDIB gene, the anemones became much more vulnerable to viral infection. The viruses grew faster, and the animals could not launch a strong defense.
“CARDIB works like a brake,” explained the study’s lead researcher. “But that brake is needed so the animal can later push forward with a proper antiviral response.”
Tests in Natural Waters
To see if this mattered outside the lab, the team placed genetically edited anemones into outdoor tanks filled with real estuarine water in South Carolina. Within days, the anemones lacking CARDIB gathered far more viruses than normal ones. This showed the protein is important in the wild, not just in a petri dish.
What This Means for Evolution
The finding suggests evolution did not settle on a single antiviral strategy. Different animals may have invented their own ways to spot and stop viruses, even if some of the building blocks look alike.
Studying ancient creatures like sea anemones helps scientists uncover hidden tricks that other animals, including humans, might not use. Each new discovery reminds us that nature often finds many solutions to the same problem.