[IFN-tau, a new interferon type I with antiretroviral activity]

Type I interferon (IFN) such as IFN-alpha have demonstrated relative efficiency in HIV-infected patients with Kaposi's sarcoma. Nevertheless, their clinical uses have been restricted by several major side effects. IFN-tau is a non-cytotoxic type I IFN. In the present manuscript, we described its in vitro effects towards HIV replication and its mode of action. IFN-tau is a potent antiviral molecule that interferes with an early step of HIV biological cycle. Moreover, it induces IL-6 synthesis by macrophages, and this cytokine favorises its antiviral efficacy, probably by amplifying the induction of 2', 5'OAS and RNase L. Altogether, these results confirm the interest of IFN-tau as adjuvant therapy in HIV infection, and more particularly in HIV/HCV-infected patients.