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Effect of glucose on antiviral activity of interferon
Abstract:
Glucose was found to impair the antiviral activity of rabbit interferon (IFN) in RK-13 cells. This impairment was dependent on the glucose concentration: A pronounced impairment was observed at the concentration of 30 mg of glucose/ml, the maximum concentration which produced neither morphological changes of cells nor diminution of overall macromolecular synthesis. Maximal impairment was seen when glucose was added to the IFN-treated RK-13 cells early during the development of antiviral activity. Furthermore, glucose decreased the extent of induction of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase by IFN. Of six different monosaccharides examined, only fructose had the same anti-IFN effect as glucose.
Insights
High glucose levels reduce the antiviral effectiveness of rabbit interferon (IFN) in cell cultures. This effect, also seen with fructose, impacts cellular defense mechanisms against viruses.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Interferons (IFN) are crucial cytokines in the innate immune response against viral infections.
- Cellular metabolism, including glucose levels, can influence immune cell function and antiviral defense.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of glucose on the antiviral activity of rabbit interferon (IFN) in RK-13 cells.
- To determine the concentration-dependent and time-dependent effects of glucose on IFN antiviral activity.
- To explore the impact of glucose on IFN-induced enzyme activity and compare it with other monosaccharides.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of RK-13 cells with rabbit interferon (IFN) and varying concentrations of glucose.
- Assessment of antiviral activity through standard assays.
- Measurement of cellular macromolecular synthesis and morphology.
- Quantification of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase induction.
- Screening of six different monosaccharides for anti-IFN effects.
Main Results:
- Glucose significantly impaired the antiviral activity of rabbit interferon (IFN) in a concentration-dependent manner.
- Maximal impairment occurred when glucose was added early during IFN treatment, at concentrations up to 30 mg/ml without causing cellular toxicity.
- Glucose reduced the induction of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase, a key enzyme in the IFN antiviral pathway.
- Fructose, but not other tested monosaccharides, exhibited a similar inhibitory effect on IFN antiviral activity.
Conclusions:
- Glucose, and to a lesser extent fructose, can suppress the antiviral efficacy of rabbit interferon (IFN).
- The observed anti-IFN effect is mediated, at least in part, by the inhibition of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase induction.
- These findings highlight the potential impact of metabolic status on the effectiveness of interferon-based antiviral therapies.