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Antiviral effect of interferon on influenza virus infection in mice
Abstract:
The antiviral effect of highly purified mouse interferon (IFN) was studied on influenza virus infection in mice, by changing the routes of administration. By repeated intravenous (i.v.) administrations of IFN, no antiviral effect was observed. However, IFN was effective when the infected mice received either intraperitoneal (i.p.) or intranasal (i.n.) administrations. While all of the untreated mice died within 10 days after infection, 20% of the i.p. treated mice and 67% of the i.n. treated mice survived more than 30 days. To explain these different effects after administration by different routes, the distribution of given IFN in mouse organs was examined. Fifteen min after i.v. injection, only a low-titered IFN was detected in the serum, lung, spleen and liver of the mice and soon disappeared. However, a relatively high-titered IFN was detected 30 min after i.p. administration in the lung and serum. After i.n. administration, high-titered IFN was detected in the lung within 15 min after administration and continued for 90 min. Thus the findings demonstrated that the maintenance of a detectable amount of IFN in mice organs is dependent on the route of administration, and the higher the titer of IFN in the lung, the higher the protective effect of IFN against influenza virus infection.
Insights
Mouse interferon (IFN) effectively combats influenza when administered intraperitoneally or intranasally. Intranasal delivery provided the highest survival rates, demonstrating route-dependent antiviral efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Influenza virus infection poses a significant health threat.
- Interferon (IFN) is a key mediator of antiviral immunity.
- Understanding IFN administration routes is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiviral efficacy of mouse interferon (IFN) against influenza virus infection.
- To determine the impact of different administration routes (intravenous, intraperitoneal, intranasal) on IFN's effectiveness.
- To correlate IFN distribution in organs with its therapeutic effect.
Main Methods:
- Purified mouse interferon was administered via intravenous (i.v.), intraperitoneal (i.p.), and intranasal (i.n.) routes to mice infected with influenza virus.
- Antiviral effects were assessed by survival rates.
- IFN distribution in serum, lung, spleen, and liver was measured at various time points post-administration.
Main Results:
- Intravenous IFN administration showed no antiviral effect.
- Intraperitoneal and intranasal IFN administration significantly increased survival rates (20% and 67% respectively) compared to untreated controls (0%).
- Intranasal administration resulted in sustained high IFN titers in the lungs, correlating with the highest protective effect.
Conclusions:
- The route of administration critically influences the antiviral efficacy of interferon against influenza.
- Intranasal administration of IFN is the most effective route, likely due to sustained high concentrations in the lungs.
- Maintaining detectable IFN levels in target organs is essential for successful antiviral therapy.