[Biological activity of interferons in the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19].

INTRODUCTION: The immunopathogenesis of the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19 is usually associated with the development of imbalance in the immune response to its causative agent, SARS-CoV-2 virus (Coronaviridae: Coronavirinae: Betacoronavirus: Sarbecovirus). This is manifested, in particular, by interferons' (IFNs) deficiency at the beginning of the disease followed by hyperproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The virus causes a decrease in IFN types I (α/ß) and III (λ) levels; changes in IFN type II (γ) are less studied. In this regard, it is relevant to assess the functional bioactive IFN (interferon status) in COVID-19. The aim of the study was to assess the antiviral potential of the body by testing the biologically active IFNs in COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used biological serum samples of COVID-19 patients taken in the acute phase (110 patients on the 1-5 days of the disease) and during rehabilitation (47 patients during 1-3 months after the disease onset). Assessment of interferon status was performed according to the technique developed by the authors and described earlier. RESULTS: The IFN status of patients with COVID-19 in the acute period and in the phase of post-infection rehabilitation was studied вduring the observation period. It was found that SARS-CoV-2 causes a pronounced inhibition of biological activity of IFN types I and II compared to the reference values by more than 20 and 7 times, respectively. During the post-COVID period, incomplete recovery of the IFN system activity was registered, which proceeded very slowly. No cases of reaching physiological indicators of interferon status were identified during the observation period. CONCLUSION: The obtained data on deficiency of the functional biologically active IFN confirm the hypothesis about the predominant role of impaired IFN production of different types in the immunopathogenesis of the novel coronavirus infection.

Features of innate and adaptive immunity for infections with RNA-containing respiratory viruses

During respiratory infections caused by RNA-containing viruses, double-stranded (ds) replicative forms bind with specific receptors in the endosomes and cytosol of infected cells. Therefore, the induction of gene expression of early cytokines occurs faster and more efficiently dsRNA. Induction of innate and specific adaptive immunity usually provides complete eradication of extracellular virions and infected cells without chronic infection and risk of recombination between viral RNA and host cell chromosomes due to absence of DNA copies of the virus genomes. However, this increases the risk of a cytokine storm with pathological disorders of defense systems. Mutual adaptation of viruses and their hosts includes interaction of viral antigens with host cytokines or corresponding receptors that results in disturbances of the fist line of host defense and infection progression.