Interferon lambda protects cattle against bovine viral diarrhea virus infection

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Immunology
• Biotherapeutics

Background:

• Interferon lambda (IFN-λ) is crucial for mucosal antiviral immunity.
• Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) causes significant disease in cattle.
• Developing effective antiviral therapies for livestock is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of recombinant bovine IFN-λ (rIFN-λ) against BVDV in cattle.
• To assess the safety and toxicity of rIFN-λ in bovine models.

Main Methods:

• Toxicity and safety of rIFN-λ were tested in bovine peripheral blood cells and calves.
• Calves were treated with rIFN-λ or a placebo before and after BVDV challenge.
• Clinical signs, viral shedding, viremia, and antibody responses were monitored.

Main Results:

• rIFN-λ treatment showed no toxicity and was safe in calves.
• Treated calves did not develop clinical BVDV symptoms, viral shedding, or significant viremia.
• rIFN-λ treatment accelerated the onset of anti-BVDV neutralizing antibodies and increased type-I IFNs.

Conclusions:

• Bovine rIFN-λ is a safe and effective biotherapeutic candidate against BVDV.
• This study provides proof-of-principle for using bovine IFN-λ to protect cattle from BVDV.
• Further development of bovine IFN-λ could offer a new strategy for controlling viral diseases in cattle.