Elsevier

Microbial Pathogenesis

Volume 158, September 2021, 105105
Microbial Pathogenesis

Interferon β, an enhancer of the innate immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105105Get rights and content

Highlights

  • Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global health threat.

  • Deficiency of type I interferon was associated with COVID-19 severity.

  • Administering type I interferon will enhance the host innate immune response.

  • Interferon β administration shown to be effective against COVID-19 in pilot studies.

  • Interferon β monotherapy could be an attractive potent treatment against COVID-19.

Abstract

COVID-19 exhibits a global health threat among the elderly and the population with underlying health conditions. During infection, the host's innate immune response acts as a frontline of defense by releasing cytokines such as type I interferon (IFN α and β) thereby initiating antiviral activity. However, this particular interferon response is interrupted by factors such as SARS-CoV-2 non-structural proteins, aging, diabetes, and germ-line errors eventually making the host more susceptible to illness. Therefore, enhancing the host's innate immune response by administering type I IFN could be an effective treatment against COVID-19. Here, we highlight the importance of innate immune response and the role of IFN β monotherapy against COVID-19.

Keywords

Coronavirus disease 2019
Severe acute respiratory syndrome
Type I Interferon
Innate immunity
Interferon β monotherapy

Cited by (0)

1

First authors.

View Abstract