Off balance: Interferons in COVID-19 lung infections

Abstract

Interferons are innate and adaptive cytokines involved in many biological responses, in particular, viral infections. With the final response the result of the balance of the different types of Interferons. Cytokine storms are physiological reactions observed in humans and animals in which the innate immune system causes an uncontrolled and excessive release of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules. The excessive and prolonged presence of these cytokines can cause tissue damage, multisystem organ failure and death. The role of Interferons in virus clearance, tissue damage and cytokine storms are discussed, in view of COVID-19 caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The imbalance of Type I, Type II and Type III Interferons during a viral infection contribute to the clinical outcome, possibly together with other cytokines, in particular, TNFα, with clear implications for clinical interventions to restore their correct balance.

Lidocaine reinforces the anti-inflammatory action of dexamethasone on myeloid and epithelial cells activated by inflammatory cytokines or SARS-CoV-2 infection

“…The type I IFNs response is crucial to control viral infections, and that caused by SARS-CoV-2 is not an exception. The implications of a late or null type I IFNs response and poor prognosis for the development of the pathology have been reported [ 25 ] [ 26 ]. To determine the effects of lidocaine on this pathway, we used the B16 type I IFNs SEAP reporter cell line.…”

IFN-γ Induces PD-L1 Expression in Primed Human Basophils

“…In addition, the reduced IL-3 would also affect the survival of basophils and their ability to support protective IgG responses [ 50 ]. Though IFN-γ is linked with COVID-19 severity [ 50 ], recent data also suggest that enhanced IFN-γ is associated with the recovery-like stage of these patients with a decreased risk of lung fibrosis [ 51 , 52 ]. Importantly, recovered subjects showed an increased expression of PD-L1 in basophils compared to the COVID-19 patients [ 6 ].…”

A comprehensive insight into current control of COVID-19: Immunogenicity, vaccination, and treatment.

“…Interferon is a natural protein produced as a part of the immune system response to tolerate viral infections. Interferon production imbalance and suppression during COVID-19 infection were highlighted in many studies [160] , and hence its administration was hypothesized to alleviate or reduce the COVID-19 manifestations of infection. Interferon proteins were classified into three classes: alpha, beta, and gamma interferon.…”