Better corona defense through potent interferons
Recently, researchers reported why COVID-19 diseases are milder with the omicron variant. They found that this is less effective at blocking cellular defense mechanisms (“the interferon response”) against viruses than the Delta variant. A new study has now been published that shows better corona defenses through potent interferons.
Interferons are the human body’s first line of defense against infection; Subtypes of these messenger substances have different effects. Researchers from the Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) and a team from the Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) have now been able to show which interferon subtypes are most effective against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
Interferons against viruses
As in a current Message is explained, the human immune system releases interferons (to interfere) when it recognizes viruses.
If a viral infection occurs, our immune system releases so-called interferon-alpha variants (IFN-alpha). These potent proteins can then prevent viruses from multiplying and spreading. A human carries twelve such IFN-alpha subtypes.
They are proven active ingredients against widespread diseases, especially the type I interferon alpha 2, which is often used against hepatitis C and B. “However, there are subtypes of interferons whose clinical potential has not yet been explored,” explains Prof. Dr. Stephanie Pfänder (Department of Medical and Molecular Virology, RUB).
Cellular response analyzed
The scientists analyzed the cellular response to these subtypes in detail.
According to the information, transcriptome analyzes made it possible to measure all the RNA contained in cells and to read from this which genes are read more or less after exposure to an interferon. Their information is translated into proteins.
According to the experts, proteome analyzes showed how all of the proteins present changed after administration of an interferon. The researchers call the cellular reaction caused by the interferon subtypes the immune signature.
Antiviral effect increased by drug
“We were able to show that certain interferon-alpha subtypes are extraordinarily effective against SARS-CoV-2,” reports Dr. Kathrin Sutter (Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen). “There are clear differences in the strength of the antiviral activity of the subtypes.”
The alpha-5 subtype evoked a particularly effective immune signature against the coronavirus. The antiviral effect, which the study authors were able to measure in cell culture, was increased significantly by a combination with the antiviral drug “Remdesivir”.
“This study allows conclusions to be drawn as to which messenger substances and genes are particularly important in the fight against SARS-CoV-2,” says Stephanie Pfänder.
In addition, the results, which were published in the renowned journal “PNAS“, a possible direct alternative in the treatment of COVID-19 patients through the early administration of certain strong antiviral interferon-alpha subtypes. (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- University of Duisburg-Essen: Virology study: Better corona defense through potent proteins, (accessed: February 15, 2022), university Duisburg-Essen
- Jonas Schuhenn, Toni-Luise Meister, Kathrin Sutter, Stephanie Pfänder et al.: Differential interferon-α subtype induced immune signatures are associated with suppression of SARS-CoV-2 infection; in: PNAS, (published: 2022-02-07), PNAS
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.