The Role of Interferon-α in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) impose significant financial and healthcare burden on populations all over the world. The prevalence and incidence of NDs have been observed to increase dramatically with age. Hence, the number of reported cases is projected to increase in the future, as life spans continues to rise. Despite this, there is limited effective treatment against most NDs. Interferons (IFNs), a family of cytokines, have been suggested as a promising therapeutic target for NDs, particularly IFN-α, which governs various pathological pathways in different NDs. Objective: This systematic review aimed to critically appraise the currently available literature on the pathological role of IFN-α in neurodegeneration/NDs. Methods: Three databases, Scopus, PubMed, and Ovid Medline, were utilized for the literature search. Results: A total of 77 journal articles were selected for critical evaluation, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies selected and elucidated in this current systematic review have showed that IFN-α may play a deleterious role in neurodegenerative diseases through its strong association with the inflammatory processes resulting in mainly neurocognitive impairments. IFN-α may be displaying its neurotoxic function via various mechanisms such as abnormal calcium mineralization, activation of STAT1-dependent mechanisms, and increased quinolinic acid production. Conclusion: The exact role IFN-α in these neurodegenerative diseases have yet to be determine due to a lack in more recent evidence, thereby creating a variability in the role of IFN-α. Future investigations should thus be conducted, so that the role played by IFN-α in neurodegenerative diseases could be delineated.

Engineering a New IFN-ApoA-I Fusion Protein with Low Toxicity and Prolonged Action

“…In this regard, to maintain an effective concentration in the blood, frequent injections of rIFN are required, a situation that is often accompanied by various side effects [8], especially from the hematopoietic [9] and nervous systems [10]. The most severe side effects of interferon therapy are cognitive impairment [11] and other neurodegenerative disorders [12,13]. Due to high neurotoxicity, interest in interferon therapy has somewhat decreased despite its highly effective antiviral activity.…”

Introduction to The Special Issue: Novel Molecular Pathways and Therapeutic Challenges in Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…Mansor and colleagues [12] provide new mechanistic pathways in understanding how Centella asiatica attenuates cell damage through oxidative stress. Additionally, Hui et al [13] highlight the significant role of interferon-␣ in modifying the metabolic pathways in neuronal cell death. Ishabiyi and co-workers [14] developed a novel computational evaluation methodology to assess Azadirachta indica-derived bioactive compounds as potential inhibitors of the NLRP3 pathway as a possible treatment for AD.…”