Type I interferons and SARS-CoV-2: from cells to organisms. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bastard, Paul; Zhang, Qian; Zhang, Shen-Ying; Jouanguy, Emmanuelle; Casanova, Jean-Laurent
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in immunology. Volume 74(2022)
• Page Start: 172
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Immunology -- Periodicals; Allergy -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Abstracts -- Periodicals; Allergy -- Abstracts -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2022.01.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-7915

Abstract

Abstract : Type I interferons (IFNs) have broad and potent antiviral activity. We review the interplay between type I IFNs and SARS-CoV-2. Human cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 in vitro produce low levels of type I IFNs, and SARS-CoV-2 proteins can inhibit various steps in type I IFN production and response. Exogenous type I IFNs inhibit viral growth in vitro . In various animal species infected in vivo, type I IFN deficiencies underlie higher viral loads and more severe disease than in control animals. The early administration of exogenous type I IFNs improves infection control. In humans, inborn errors of, and auto-antibodies against type I IFNs underlie life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia. Overall, type I IFNs are essential for host defense against SARS-CoV-2 in individual cells and whole organisms.