Interferon system deficiencies exacerbating severe pandemic virus infections.
Trends Microbiol
; 29(11): 973-982, 2021 11.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1142259
ABSTRACT
Pandemics are caused by novel pathogens to which pre-existing antibody immunity is lacking. Under these circumstances, the body must rely on innate interferon-mediated defenses to limit pathogen replication and allow development of critical humoral protection. Here, we highlight studies on disease susceptibility during H1N1 influenza and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemics. An emerging concept is that genetic and non-genetic deficiencies in interferon system components lead to uncontrolled virus replication and severe illness in a subset of people. Intriguingly, new findings suggest that individuals with autoantibodies neutralizing the antiviral function of interferon are at increased risk of severe COVID-19. We discuss key questions surrounding how such autoantibodies develop and function, as well as the general implications of diagnosing interferon deficiencies for personalized therapies.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Virus Diseases
/
Interferons
/
Host-Pathogen Interactions
/
Disease Resistance
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Trends Microbiol
Journal subject:
Microbiology
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
J.tim.2021.03.001
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS