Potent Inhibition of SARS-Associated Coronavirus (SCoV) Infection and Replication by Type I Interferons (IFN-α/β) but Not by Type II Interferon (IFN-γ)

Bojian Zheng, Ming-Liang He, King-Ling Wong, Ching Tung Lum, Leo L.M. Poon, Ying Peng, Yi Guan, Marie C.M. Lin, Hsiang-Fu Kung
2004 Journal of Interferon and Cytokine Research  
We sought to investigate the anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated coronavirus (SCoV) activities of type I (␣ and ␤) and type II (␥) interferons (IFN) in vitro. Type I IFNs protected cells from cytopathic effects (CPE) induced by SCoV, and inhibited viral genomic RNA replication in FRhk-4 cells (measured by quantitative RT-PCR) in a dose-dependent manner. Intracellular viral RNA copies were reduced 50% by IFN-␣ at a concentration of 25 U/ml and by IFN-␤ at a concentration of
more » ... 4 U/ml. IFN-␥ had fewer effects on inhibition of viral infection and replication. The type I IFN receptor signaling pathway in host cells is mainly involved in the inhibition of SCoV infection and replication. Type I IFNs could be used as potential agents for anti-SARS treatment.
doi:10.1089/1079990041535610 pmid:15296649 fatcat:b37undwc7vbjhf2eiqovus6zr4