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Camelid type I interferons: Identification and functional characterization of interferon alpha from the dromedary
Avinash Premraj1, Abi George Aleyas1, Binita Nautiyal1
1Camel Biotechnology Center, Presidential Camels and Camel Racing Affairs centre, Department of the President's Affairs, P O Box 17292, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Insights
Researchers identified and characterized camel type I interferons (IFNs), crucial for innate immunity against viruses. This discovery aids understanding camel immune responses and developing antivirals for zoonotic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Dromedary camels are vital livestock in arid regions.
- Limited species-specific reagents hinder research into camel immune responses.
- Type I interferons (IFNs) are critical for innate immunity against viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize type I IFNs in dromedary camels.
- To develop tools for studying camel antiviral immunity.
- To explore potential antiviral biologicals for camel-borne zoonotic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Cloning of camel IFN-α coding sequences, identifying eleven subtypes.
- Production and purification of recombinant camel IFN-α1 protein in E. coli.
- Assessing IFN-α1's ability to induce interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and its in-vitro antiviral activity against Camelpox Virus.
Main Results:
- Eleven camel IFN-α subtypes were identified, including IFN-α1.
- Recombinant camel IFN-α1 induced ISG expression in camel kidney cells.
- Purified camel IFN-α1 demonstrated potent in-vitro antiviral activity against Camelpox Virus.
Conclusions:
- The identified camel IFN-α subtypes provide essential tools for understanding camel antiviral immunity.
- This research facilitates the development of novel antiviral therapies for zoonotic diseases in camels.
- The findings enhance knowledge of host-pathogen interactions in a key livestock species.
Abstract:
Investigations into the molecular immune response of dromedary camel, a key livestock species of the arid, have been limited due to the lack of species-specific reagents. Here we describe for the first time, the identification and characterization of type I IFNs of dromedary camel, which are the most important cytokines in the innate host immune response against viruses. We cloned camel IFN-α coding sequences and identified a total of eleven subtypes. The canonical IFN-α subtype designated as IFN-α1 contained a 555-bp Open Reading Frame encoding a protein of 184 amino acids. Recombinant IFN-α1 protein was produced in E. coli and purified from inclusion bodies. Recombinant camel IFN-α1 induced the mRNA expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in camel kidney cells. The purified protein also showed potent in-vitro antiviral activity against Camelpox Virus in kidney cells. The identified camel IFN-α protein and the subtypes will facilitate a better understanding of the host immune response to viral infections in camel and the development of potential antiviral biologicals for zoonotic diseases for which camel act as a reservoir.
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