Protective efficacy of IFN-ω AND IFN-λs against influenza viruses in induced A549 cells

The interferon system represents one of the components of the first line defence against influenza virus infection. Interferon omega (IFN-ω) is antigenetically different from IFN-α and IFN-β and can affect patients who are resistant to these IFNs. To improve the biological characterization of IFN-ω, we compared its activity with those of type I and type III IFNs in induced A549 cells. The antiviral effect on IFN-stimulated A549 cells was most apparent after infection with avian influenza virus. IFN-ω had statistically significant antiviral activity although less than IFN-β1a, IFN-λ1, or IFN-λ2. On the other hand, IFN-ω appeared more efficient than IFN-α2. Our results also indicate that IFN-λs were more suitable against human highly pathogenic virus. In this case, IFN-λ1 and IFN-λ2 were more potent than type I IFNs.