scholarly journals Antibodies against type-I Interferon: detection and association with severe clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients

Author(s):  
David Goncalves ◽  
Mehdi Mezidi ◽  
Paul Bastard ◽  
Magali Perret ◽  
Kahina Saker ◽  
...  

Objectives Impairment of type I interferon (IFN-I) immunity has been reported in critically ill COVID-19 patients. This defect can be explained by the presence of circulating autoantibodies against IFN-I. We set out to improve the detection and the quantification of such antibodies (Abs) in a cohort of severe Covid-19 patients, in an effort to better document the prevalence of these Abs as the pandemics evolves and how they correlate with the clinical course of the disease. Methods Anti-IFN-a Abs was investigated 84 critical COVID-19 patients who were admitted to ICU at the Lyon University Hospital, France with a commercially available kit (Thermo-Fisher). Results Twenty-one patients out of 84 (25%) had anti-IFNa2 Ab above cut-off (>34ng/mL) in sera. A neutralizing activity against IFN-a2 was evidenced in 15 of them, suggesting that 18% of patients were positive for neutralizing anti-IFN-a and -w auto-Abs. In addition, in most of patients with neutralizing IFN-I Abs, we noticed an impairment of the IFN-I response. However, we did not find any difference in terms of clinical characteristics or outcome between critical COVID-19 patients with or without neutralizing anti-IFN-a2 auto-Abs in these conditions. Finally, we detected anti-type I IFN auto-Abs in sera of COVID-19 patients were detected throughout the ICU stay. Conclusions We report that 18% of severe COVID-19 patients were positive for these Anti-Type-I IFN Abs, confirming the detrimental role of these Abs on the antiviral response. Our results further support the use of recombinant type I IFNs not targeted by the auto-Abs (e.g., IFN-b) in COVID-19 patients with an impaired IFN-I response.

2008 ◽  
Vol 205 (4) ◽  
pp. 981-992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ren-Huan Xu ◽  
Matthew Cohen ◽  
Yong Tang ◽  
Eric Lazear ◽  
J. Charles Whitbeck ◽  
...  

Nonliving antiviral vaccines traditionally target proteins expressed at the surface of the virion with the hope of inducing neutralizing antibodies. Orthopoxviruses (OPVs), such as the human smallpox virus and the mouse-equivalent ectromelia virus (ECTV; an agent of mousepox), encode immune response modifiers (IRMs) that can increase virulence by decreasing the host immune response. We show that one of these IRMs, the type I interferon (IFN) binding protein (bp) of ECTV, is essential for ECTV virulence and is a natural target of the antibody response. More strikingly, we demonstrate that immunization with recombinant type I IFN bp protects mice from lethal mousepox. Collectively, our experiments have important implications for our understanding of the role of IRMs in OPV virulence and of type I IFNs in OPV infections. Furthermore, our work provides proof of concept that effective antiviral vaccines can be made to prevent disease by targeting virulence factors as an alternative to the traditional approach that attempts to prevent infection by virus neutralization.


2015 ◽  
Vol 90 (5) ◽  
pp. 2403-2417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuan Xia ◽  
Madhuvanthi Vijayan ◽  
Curtis J. Pritzl ◽  
Serge Y. Fuchs ◽  
Adrian B. McDermott ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTInfluenza A virus (IAV) employs diverse strategies to circumvent type I interferon (IFN) responses, particularly by inhibiting the synthesis of type I IFNs. However, it is poorly understood if and how IAV regulates the type I IFN receptor (IFNAR)-mediated signaling mode. In this study, we demonstrate that IAV induces the degradation of IFNAR subunit 1 (IFNAR1) to attenuate the type I IFN-induced antiviral signaling pathway. Following infection, the level of IFNAR1 protein, but not mRNA, decreased. Indeed, IFNAR1 was phosphorylated and ubiquitinated by IAV infection, which resulted in IFNAR1 elimination. The transiently overexpressed IFNAR1 displayed antiviral activity by inhibiting virus replication. Importantly, the hemagglutinin (HA) protein of IAV was proved to trigger the ubiquitination of IFNAR1, diminishing the levels of IFNAR1. Further, influenza A viral HA1 subunit, but not HA2 subunit, downregulated IFNAR1. However, viral HA-mediated degradation of IFNAR1 was not caused by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. IAV HA robustly reduced cellular sensitivity to type I IFNs, suppressing the activation of STAT1/STAT2 and induction of IFN-stimulated antiviral proteins. Taken together, our findings suggest that IAV HA causes IFNAR1 degradation, which in turn helps the virus escape the powerful innate immune system. Thus, the research elucidated an influenza viral mechanism for eluding the IFNAR signaling pathway, which could provide new insights into the interplay between influenza virus and host innate immunity.IMPORTANCEInfluenza A virus (IAV) infection causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide and remains a major health concern. When triggered by influenza viral infection, host cells produce type I interferon (IFN) to block viral replication. Although IAV was shown to have diverse strategies to evade this powerful, IFN-mediated antiviral response, it is not well-defined if IAV manipulates the IFN receptor-mediated signaling pathway. Here, we uncovered that influenza viral hemagglutinin (HA) protein causes the degradation of type I IFN receptor subunit 1 (IFNAR1). HA promoted phosphorylation and polyubiquitination of IFNAR1, which facilitated the degradation of this receptor. The HA-mediated elimination of IFNAR1 notably decreased the cells' sensitivities to type I IFNs, as demonstrated by the diminished expression of IFN-induced antiviral genes. This discovery could help us understand how IAV regulates the host innate immune response to create an environment optimized for viral survival in host cells.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Wang ◽  
Tariq Hussain ◽  
Kai Zhang ◽  
Yi Liao ◽  
Jiao Yao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is the principal causative agent of bovine tuberculosis; however, it may also cause serious infection in human being. Type I IFN is a key factor in reducing viral multiplication and modulating host immune response against viral infection. However, the regulatory pathways of Type I IFN signaling during M. bovis infection are not yet fully explored. Here, we investigate the role of Type I IFN signaling in the pathogenesis of M. bovis infection in mice. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were treated with IFNAR1-blocking antibody or Isotype control 24 hour before M. bovis infection. After 21 and 84 days of infection, mice were sacrificed and role of Type I IFN signaling in the pathogenesis of M. bovis was investigated. ELISA and qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of Type I IFNs and related genes. M. bovis induced lung lesions were assessed by histopathological examination and viable bacterial count was determined by CFU assay. Results: We observed an abundant expression of Type I IFNs in the serum and lung tissues of M. bovis infected mice. In vivo blockade of Type I IFN signaling reduced the recruitment of neutrophils to the lung tissue, mediated the activation of macrophages leading to an increased pro-inflammatory profile and regulated the inflammatory cytokine production. However, no impact was observed on T cell recruitment and activation in the early acute phase of infection. Additionally, blocking of type I IFN signaling reduced bacterial burden in the infected mice as compared to untreated infected mice. Conclusions: Altogether, our results reveal that Type I IFN mediates a balance between M. bovis-mediated inflammatory reaction and host defense mechanism. Thus, modulating Type I IFN signaling could be exploited as a therapeutic strategy against a large repertoire of inflammatory disorders including tuberculosis.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 115 (16) ◽  
pp. 3287-3295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tekla Hornakova ◽  
Sabina Chiaretti ◽  
Muriel M. Lemaire ◽  
Robin Foà ◽  
Raouf Ben Abdelali ◽  
...  

Abstract Activating mutations in JAK1 have been reported in acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALLs). In this study, we found a type I interferon (IFN) transcriptional signature in JAK1 mutation-positive human ALL samples. This signature was recapitulated in vitro by the expression of JAK1 mutants in BW5147 and BaF3 hematopoietic cell lines. Binding of JAK1 to the IFN receptor was essential because mutations in the FERM domain abrogated this effect. Beside the constitutive activation of the type I IFN signaling cascade, JAK1 mutations also strongly potentiated the response to IFN in vitro. Typically, the proliferation of cell lines expressing JAK1A634D was abrogated by type I IFNs. Interestingly, we found that different JAK1 mutations differentially potentiate responses to type I IFNs or to interleukin-9, another cytokine using JAK1 to mediate its effects. This suggests that the type of mutation influences the specificity of the effect on distinct cytokine receptor signaling. Finally, we also showed in an in vivo leukemia model that cells expressing JAK1A634D are hypersensitive to the antiproliferative and antitumorigenic effect of type I IFN, suggesting that type I IFNs should be considered as a potential therapy for ALL with JAK1-activating mutations.


2014 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 743-758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teri R. Hoyt ◽  
Erin Dobrinen ◽  
Irina Kochetkova ◽  
Nicole Meissner

HIV infection results in a complex immunodeficiency due to loss of CD4+T cells, impaired type I interferon (IFN) responses, and B cell dysfunctions causing susceptibility to opportunistic infections such asPneumocystis murinapneumonia and unexplained comorbidities, including bone marrow dysfunctions. Type I IFNs and B cells critically contribute to immunity toPneumocystislung infection. We recently also identified B cells as supporters of on-demand hematopoiesis followingPneumocystisinfection that would otherwise be hampered due to systemic immune effects initiated in the context of a defective type I IFN system. While studying the role of type I IFNs in immunity toPneumocystisinfection, we discovered that mice lacking both lymphocytes and type I IFN receptor (IFrag−/−) developed progressive bone marrow failure following infection, while lymphocyte-competent type I IFN receptor-deficient mice (IFNAR−/−) showed transient bone marrow depression and extramedullary hematopoiesis. Lymphocyte reconstitution of lymphocyte-deficient IFrag−/−mice pointed to B cells as a key player in bone marrow protection. Here we define how B cells protect on-demand hematopoiesis followingPneumocystis lung infection in our model. We demonstrate that adoptive transfer of B cells into IFrag−/−mice protects early hematopoietic progenitor activity during systemic responses toPneumocystisinfection, thus promoting replenishment of depleted bone marrow cells. This activity is independent of CD4+T cell help and B cell receptor specificity and does not require B cell migration to bone marrow. Furthermore, we show that B cells protect on-demand hematopoiesis in part by induction of interleukin-10 (IL-10)- and IL-27-mediated mechanisms. Thus, our data demonstrate an important immune modulatory role of B cells duringPneumocystislung infection that complement the modulatory role of type I IFNs to prevent systemic complications.


2013 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Johansson Wensman ◽  
Muhammad Munir ◽  
Srinivas Thaduri ◽  
Katarina Hörnaeus ◽  
Muhammad Rizwan ◽  
...  

Borna disease virus (BDV) is a neurotropic, negative-stranded RNA virus causing persistent infection and progressive neurological disorders in a wide range of warm-blooded animals. The role of the small non-structural X protein in viral pathogenesis is not completely understood. Here we investigated whether the X protein of BDV and avian bornavirus (ABV) interferes with the type I interferon (IFN) system, similar to other non-structural proteins of negative-stranded RNA viruses. In luciferase reporter assays, we found that the X protein of various bornaviruses interfered with the type I IFN system at all checkpoints investigated, in contrast to previously reported findings, resulting in reduced type I IFN secretion.


Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 856
Author(s):  
Martina Musella ◽  
Claudia Galassi ◽  
Nicoletta Manduca ◽  
Antonella Sistigu

Type I Interferons (IFNs) are key regulators of natural and therapy-induced host defense against viral infection and cancer. Several years of remarkable progress in the field of oncoimmunology have revealed the dual nature of these cytokines. Hence, Type I IFNs may trigger anti-tumoral responses, while leading immune dysfunction and disease progression. This dichotomy relies on the duration and intensity of the transduced signaling, the nature of the unleashed IFN stimulated genes, and the subset of responding cells. Here, we discuss the role of Type I IFNs in the evolving relationship between the host immune system and cancer, as we offer a view of the therapeutic strategies that exploit and require an intact Type I IFN signaling, and the role of these cytokines in inducing adaptive resistance. A deep understanding of the complex, yet highly regulated, network of Type I IFN triggered molecular pathways will help find a timely and immune“logical” way to exploit these cytokines for anticancer therapy.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús Troya García ◽  
Paul Bastard ◽  
Laura Planas-Serra ◽  
Pablo Ryan ◽  
Montse Ruíz ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: In a recent study, autoantibodies neutralizing type I interferons (IFNs) were present in at least 10% of cases of critical COVID-19 pneumonia. These autoantibodies neutralized most type I IFNs but rarely IFN-beta.Objectives: We aimed to define the prevalence of autoantibodies neutralizing type I IFN in a cohort of patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia treated with IFN-beta-1b during hospitalization and to analyze their impact on various clinical variables and outcomes.Methods: We analyzed stored serum/plasma samples and clinical data of COVID-19 patients treated subcutaneously with IFN-beta-1b from March to May 2020, at the Infanta Leonor University Hospital in Madrid, Spain. Results: The cohort comprised 47 COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia, 16 of whom (34%) had a critical progression requiring ICU admission. The median age was 71 years, with 28 men (58.6%). Type I IFN-alpha- and omega-neutralizing autoantibodies were found in 5 of 47 patients with severe pneumonia or critical disease (10.6%). The autoantibodies did not neutralize IFN-beta. No demographic, comorbidity, or clinical differences were seen between individuals with or without autoantibodies. We found a significant correlation between the presence of neutralizing autoantibodies and higher C-reactive protein levels (p=5.10e-03) and lower lymphocyte counts (p=1.80e-02). Survival analysis suggested that neutralizing autoantibodies may increase the risk of death (4/5, 80% vs 12/42, 28.5%).Conclusion: Autoantibodies neutralizing type I IFN underlie severe/critical COVID-19 stages in at least 10% of cases, correlate with increased C-RP and lower lymphocyte counts, and confer a trend towards increased risk of death. Subcutaneous IFN-beta treatment of hospitalized patients did not seem to improve clinical outcome. Studies of earlier, ambulatory IFN-beta treatment are warranted.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 3066-3066
Author(s):  
Tekla Hornakova ◽  
Sabina Chiaretti ◽  
Muriel Lemaire ◽  
Robin Foà ◽  
Marco Tartaglia ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 3066 Poster Board III-3 Recently, we and others reported activating mutations in JAK1 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). These mutations are relatively common in adult patients with T cell ALL. JAK1 is a tyrosine kinase that associates to different cytokine receptors to mediate signal transduction. The associations of the mutant JAK1 with receptors like IL-2R or IL-9R are necessary to promote tumorigenicity by inducing constitutive signaling via the activation of the receptor complex. Because JAK1 mutations confer poor prognosis to the patients, there is a need for new therapies that could specifically target the leukemic blast. Starting from patient samples, we show here that JAK1-mutant ALL blasts are characterized by a type-I interferon (IFN) transcriptional signature. This signature was recapitulated in vitro by the expression of JAK1 mutants in BW5147 and BaF3 hematopoietic cell lines. Binding of JAK1 to the IFN receptor was essential since mutations in the FERM domain abrogated this effect. Beside the constitutive activation of the type I IFN signaling cascade, JAK1 mutations also strongly potentiated the response to IFN in vitro. Typically, the proliferation of cell lines expressing JAK1A634D was abrogated by type I IFNs. Interestingly, we found that different JAK1 mutations differentially potentiate responses to type I IFNs or to IL-9, another cytokine using JAK1 to mediate its effects. This suggests that the type of mutation influences the specificity of the effect on distinct cytokine receptor signaling. Finally, we also showed in an in vivo leukemia model that cells expressing JAK1A634D are hypersensitive to the anti-proliferative and anti-tumorigenic effect of type I IFN, suggesting that type I IFNs should be considered as a potential therapy for ALL with JAK1 activating mutations. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Viruses ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Thurmond ◽  
Boxiao Wang ◽  
Jikui Song ◽  
Rong Hai

Type I interferon (IFN-I) is the first line of mammalian host defense against viral infection. To counteract this, the flaviviruses, like other viruses, have encoded a variety of antagonists, and use a multi-layered molecular defense strategy to establish their infections. Among the most potent antagonists is non-structural protein 5 (NS5), which has been shown for all disease-causing flaviviruses to target different steps and players of the type I IFN signaling pathway. Here, we summarize the type I IFN antagonist mechanisms used by flaviviruses with a focus on the role of NS5 in regulating one key regulator of type I IFN, signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2).


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