Interferon-omega: Current status in clinical applications

Abstract

Since 1985, interferon (IFN)-ω, a type I IFN, has been identified in many animals, but not canines and mice. It has been demonstrated to have antiviral, anti-proliferation, and antitumor activities that are similar to those of IFN-α. To date, IFN-ω has been explored as a treatment option for some diseases or viral infections in humans and other animals. Studies have revealed that human IFN-ω displays antitumor activities in some models of human cancer cells and that it can be used to diagnose some diseases. While recombinant feline IFN-ω has been licensed in several countries for treating canine parvovirus, feline leukemia virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus infections, it also exhibits a certain efficacy when used to treat other viral infections or diseases. This review examines the known biological activity of IFN-ω and its clinical applications. We expect that the information provided in this review will stimulate further studies of IFN-ω as a therapeutic agent.

Type I Interferons: Distinct Biological Activities and Current Applications for Viral Infection

“…Second, some studies showed that IFN-ε exhibits antiviral activity against cells derived from species that have near relatives and are expected to be homologous cells [23, 25]. Third, IFN-ε differs from IFN-α in macrophages by inducing an antiviral state mediated by more different factors [4]. Studies have revealed that numbers of genes or expression levels induced by type I IFN, IL-6, and TNF pathways in response to IFN-α and IFN-ε are not identical, in spite of some overlap among IL-1α, IL-1RA, IL-4, VEFG, and GCSF [4].…”

“…Third, IFN-ε differs from IFN-α in macrophages by inducing an antiviral state mediated by more different factors [4]. Studies have revealed that numbers of genes or expression levels induced by type I IFN, IL-6, and TNF pathways in response to IFN-α and IFN-ε are not identical, in spite of some overlap among IL-1α, IL-1RA, IL-4, VEFG, and GCSF [4]. IFN-α mediates more genes and upregulates genes more than [The phrasing of this edit should be checked for accuracy.…”

“…IFN-α mediates more genes and upregulates genes more than [The phrasing of this edit should be checked for accuracy. ]IFN-ε in the type I IFN signaling pathway, whereas IFN-ε induces more genes in the TNF-α pathway and more ROS generation and phagocyte activation than IFN-α, to block HIV replication [4]. …”

“…Several studies demonstrated that human IFN-ε suppresses HIV replication at stage(s). One study [4] found that IFN-ε blocks HIV infection in the early stages of the HIV cycle, from viral entry to nuclear import, by inducing CC-chemokines, downregulating CCR5, and inhibiting reverse transcription and nuclear import. While this activity reached a high point after 24 hours of treatment and then decreased, a potential mechanism is that IFN-ε induces significant phagocytosis and ROS, which contribute to blocking HIV replication.…”

“…In addition, interest is increasing in the antiviral efficacy of other novel IFN classes. For example, FeIFN-ω produced by silkworm larvae is approved in several countries for the treatment of canine parvovirus, feline leukemia virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus infections [4]. IFN-ε regulates mucosal immunity against viral and bacterial infections, and can suppress HIV replication [5].…”