Section 2: IFNs as natural broad-spectrum antivirals (from DOI: 10.1084/jem.20200653)
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From publication: "COVID-19 and emerging viral infections: The case for interferon lambda" published as J. Exp. Med.; 2020 05 04 ; 217 (5)
https://doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2020.1735265
Section 2: IFNs as natural broad-spectrum antiviralsIFNs as natural broad-spectrum antivirals
A wide spectrum of viruses can directly cause human disease, ranging in severity from asymptomatic to life threatening. Host survival is dependent upon key factors including cellular mechanisms of innate antiviral immune response, intended to counter virus replication until virus-specific lymphocytes can eliminate the infection. Therefore, the development of therapeutic intervention strategies that augment these intrinsic, early broad-spectrum antiviral mechanisms is desirable. Although the biology, life cycle, and pathogenesis of different viruses are widely divergent, IFNs activate protective mechanisms aimed at both virus control and elimination. Administration of IFNs can be used for prophylaxis as well as early therapy, predicated on the principle of supplementing to compensate for insufficient IFN production or activity that might be actively blocked by the virus.
