Interferon alfa-2a in Japanese encephalitis: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Inhibition of Interferon-Stimulated JAK-STAT Signaling by a Tick-Borne Flavivirus and Identification of NS5 as an Interferon Antagonist

“…If NS5 of these chimeric viruses also interferes with IFN signaling, identification and alteration of the NS5 sequences responsible might further attenuate the viruses and increase immune responsiveness, thus reducing the risk of possible complications associated with a live vaccine. In addition, IFN-␣/␤ are potential therapeutics for infection with various flaviviruses (34,50). In this context, identification of the NS5 sequences that interact with the IFN receptor could lead to the design of additional therapeutic inhibitors for use in combination with, or instead of, IFN-␣/␤.…”

“…However, use of IFN-␣/␤ in clinical trials for treatment of flavivirus infection has not been uniformly successful (34,50). This may be explained by the ability of some flaviviruses, including dengue virus serotype 2 (DEN-2), Japanese encephalitis virus, West Nile virus (WNV), and Kunjin virus (KUN) (16,30,33,38,39), to inhibit the JAK-STAT (Janus kinasesignal transducer and activator of transcription) pathway in response to IFN-␣/␤ and/or IFN-␥.…”

Viral encephalitis in travellers

“…4 However, a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial published in 2003 showed that interferon alpha is not effective in Japanese encephalitis. 18 Infection with rabies virus is nearly always fatal, and all possible cases should be discussed with one of the consultants at the Virus Reference Department at Public Health England, Colindale (contact details available at www.hpa.org.uk).…”

Systems Thinking: Prevention and Control of Japanese Encephalitis - "The Plague of the Orient"

“…Interferon alpha was the most promising drug in small open-label trials, but it failed to affect the outcome in children with JE (Solomon et al, 2003). Though we are handicapped by the non-availability of a specific drug against JE, mortality and morbidity can be decreased appreciably by control and treatment of factors causing secondary deterioration such as raised intracranial pressure and convulsions.…”