Scientists from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU), in collaboration with colleagues from the Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, have successfully synthesized a third-type interferon in laboratory conditions. This new interferon demonstrates significant protective properties against influenza and offers several advantages over other interferon types. Experts state that experiments conducted on mice have confirmed the drug`s effectiveness not only in preventing but also in treating the early stages of the disease. The findings of this research were published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents.
Respiratory viral infections pose a significant global health challenge, necessitating diverse strategies for their control. One promising approach involves stimulating the components of the innate immune response. Interferons are proteins naturally produced by the body in response to invading viruses and other harmful agents. They serve as the crucial first line of defense against viral infections.
While Type I and Type II interferons were extensively researched in the latter half of the 20th century, Type III interferons, also known as lambda interferons, were discovered more recently, approximately two decades ago. These newer interferons present several advantages over their predecessors. They offer protection against a broad spectrum of viruses, including influenza, coronaviruses, and other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVIs). Furthermore, their action is primarily localized to the respiratory tract mucous membranes, which helps avoid over-activation of the immune system and reduces the significant side effects often associated with alpha interferons.
A team of scientists from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU), in collaboration with researchers from the Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza of the Russian Ministry of Health, successfully produced recombinant lambda interferons in a laboratory setting.
«Initially, we obtained a protein preparation that demonstrated antiviral activity against influenza, coronavirus, and Chikungunya fever virus (transmitted by mosquito bites) during experiments on human cells,» stated Alexey Lozhkov, one of the lead authors of the study and an associate professor at the Higher School of Biomedical Systems and Technologies at SPbPU.
The research then progressed to experiments involving laboratory mice.
«We administered lambda interferon according to a prophylactic regimen – one day prior to infecting the mice with a pandemic strain of influenza A virus. The results showed that the drug effectively blocked the spread of the virus in the animals` lungs, reduced weight loss, and decreased mortality,» the scientist emphasized.
Furthermore, SPbPU reported that the study also demonstrated the effectiveness of third-type interferons against secondary infections. Alexey Lozhkov recalled that during the 1918-1920 «Spanish Flu» pandemic, secondary bacterial infections caused by pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and pneumococcus were a major contributor to high mortality rates.
The research team`s next objective is to develop the drug into a nasal drop or spray format, suitable for use as a preventative measure against human viral infections.
«If an individual has had contact with an infected person, they can use the drug to preventatively reduce their risk of infection. Additionally, lambda interferons can be applied during the early stages of illness, such as when a person first experiences weakness, a sore throat, or general malaise,» the scientist noted.
However, the publication`s author cautioned that during the acute phase of illness (characterized by high fever), interferons, particularly Type I interferons, should be used with prudence, as they might exacerbate undesirable inflammatory processes in the body.
