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Generation, Amplification, and Titration of Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Viruses
Published on: April 4, 2019
Interferon Epsilon-Mediated Antiviral Activity Against Human Metapneumovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Iván Martínez-Espinoza1, Pius I Babawale1, Hannah Miletello1
1Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
Background:
Interferon epsilon (IFN-ε) is a type I IFN that plays a critical role in the host immune response against pathogens. Despite having demonstrated antiviral activity in macrophages and mucosal tissues such as the female reproductive tract and the constitutive expression in mucosal tissues such as the lung, the relevance of IFN-ε against respiratory viral infections remains elusive.
Results:
We present, for the first time, the expression of IFN-ε in alveolar epithelial cells and primary human bronchial epithelial cells grown in an air-liquid interface (ALI) in response to human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. The molecular characterization of the IFN-ε induction by the viruses indicates that the expression of RIG-I is necessary for an optimal IFN-ε expression. Furthermore, treatment of the airway epithelial cells with rhIFN-ε induced the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) and significantly restricted the viral replication of HMPV and RSV.
Conclusions:
These findings underscore the relevance of IFN-ε against viral infections in the respiratory tract.
Insights
Interferon epsilon (IFN-ε), a type I interferon, is expressed in lung cells during respiratory virus infections. Treatment with IFN-ε restricts viral replication, highlighting its role in respiratory antiviral immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Type I interferons (IFNs) are crucial for host defense against pathogens.
- Interferon epsilon (IFN-ε) shows antiviral activity in various tissues but its role in respiratory infections is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and function of IFN-ε in airway epithelial cells during respiratory viral infections.
- To determine the relevance of IFN-ε in the context of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of IFN-ε expression in alveolar and bronchial epithelial cells upon HMPV and RSV infection.
- Molecular characterization of IFN-ε induction pathways, including the role of RIG-I.
- Assessment of the antiviral effects of recombinant human IFN-ε (rhIFN-ε) on airway epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- IFN-ε is expressed in human bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells following HMPV and RSV infection.
- RIG-I expression is essential for optimal IFN-ε induction by these viruses.
- rhIFN-ε treatment upregulates IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) and significantly inhibits HMPV and RSV replication.
Conclusions:
- IFN-ε plays a significant role in the innate immune response against respiratory viral infections.
- These findings establish IFN-ε as a key antiviral factor in the respiratory tract.
