Interferons are the host’s first line of defence against infections. Different subtypes of these messenger substances have different effects. A research team from Bochum and Essen showed which subtypes are most effective against SARS-CoV-2. The researchers not only elucidated the principles underlying the host’s defence mechanisms against the virus, but also presented potential alternative treatment options for high-risk patients in the early stages of an infection.
A team headed by Professor Stephanie Pfänder from the Department of Molecular and Medical Virology at Ruhr-Universität Bochum and Dr. Kathrin Sutter from the Institute of Virology at the University Hospital Essen published their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on 22 February 2022 online first.
Clinical potential not yet fully explored
As messenger substances, interferons stimulate various responses of immune cells and play a key role in activating the immune system. They are proven active agents against various diseases, especially type I interferon alpha 2, which has been widely used against hepatitis C and B. “However, there are different subtypes of interferons whose clinical potential has not yet been fully explored,” points out Stephanie Pfänder.
The researchers comprehensively analysed the cellular response to these IFN subtypes. Using transcriptome analyses, it was possible to identify key IFN-stimulated genes which were differentially regulated after exposure to a specific interferon. Their information is translated into proteins. Proteome analyses showed how the protein expression in primary lung cells changes after the stimulation with different interferons. The researchers refer to the cellular reaction caused by the interferon subtypes as immune signature.
Certain subtypes elicit particularly effective immune response
“We showed that certain interferon-alpha subtypes are highly effective against SARS-CoV-2,” states Kathrin Sutter. “The antiviral activity of the different subtypes varies considerably.” For example, the alpha-5 subtype elicited a particularly effective immune signature against the virus. The antiviral effect that the researchers measured in cell culture increased even more significantly when combined with the antiviral drug remdesivir.
“Our study allows us to draw conclusions about which induced proteins and genes are particularly important in the fight against Sars-Cov-2,” stresses Stephanie Pfänder. In addition, the findings may offer an alternative in the treatment of Covid-19 patients through the early administration of specific interferon alpha subtypes with a strong antiviral effect.
Story Source:
Materials provided by Ruhr-University Bochum. Original written by Meike Drießen; translated by Donata Zuber. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
For all the latest Health News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
Denial of responsibility! NewsBit.us is an automatic aggregator around the global media. All the content are available free on Internet. We have just arranged it in one platform for educational purpose only. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, all materials to their authors. If you are the owner of the content and do not want us to publish your materials on our website, please contact us by email – [email protected]. The content will be deleted within 24 hours.
