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Interferon system deficiencies exacerbating severe pandemic virus infections
Silke Stertz1, Benjamin G Hale1
1Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
Trends in Microbiology
|March 24, 2021
Summary
Novel pathogens cause pandemics, necessitating innate interferon defenses. Deficiencies in interferon immunity, including autoantibodies, increase susceptibility to severe H1N1 influenza and COVID-19, impacting personalized therapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Pandemics arise from novel pathogens lacking pre-existing immunity.
- Innate interferon-mediated defenses are crucial for initial pathogen control.
- Severe disease can occur in individuals with compromised interferon systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review disease susceptibility during H1N1 influenza and COVID-19 pandemics.
- To highlight the role of interferon deficiencies in severe viral infections.
- To discuss the implications of autoantibodies against interferon for disease severity and personalized medicine.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on H1N1 influenza and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemics.
- Analysis of genetic and non-genetic factors affecting interferon system function.
- Examination of emerging findings on autoantibodies neutralizing interferon's antiviral activity.
Main Results:
- Interferon system deficiencies contribute to uncontrolled virus replication and severe illness.
- Autoantibodies neutralizing interferon increase the risk of severe COVID-19.
- These findings underscore the importance of interferon immunity in pandemic response.
Conclusions:
- Genetic and autoantibody-mediated interferon deficiencies are critical determinants of pandemic disease severity.
- Understanding these deficiencies is key to developing personalized therapeutic strategies.
- Further research into the development and function of anti-interferon autoantibodies is warranted.
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