Interferon Gamma Therapy in a Novel Case of Homozygous Interferon Alpha/beta Receptor Alpha Chain (IFNAR1) Deficiency Infected With SARS-CoV-2

Background: Interferons play a crucial role in antiviral immunity. Genetic defects in interferon receptors (IFNRs) can lead to the development of life-threatening forms of infectious diseases.Case presentation: A thirteen-year-old boy with a novel mutation in interferon alpha/beta receptor subunit 1 (IFNAR1)(c.674-2A>G) was diagnosed with COVID-19. He had cold symptoms and a high-grade fever at the time of admission. He was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit after showing no response to favipiravir. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scanning revealed lung involvement of 70% with extensive areas of consolidation in both lungs. Antibiotics, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), remdesivir, methylprednisolone pulse, and other medications were started in the patient. However, remdesivir and methylprednisolone pulse were discontinued after the occurrence of hypertension and bradycardia in the patient. His general condition improved, and a few days later was discharged from the hospital.Conclusion: We reported a COVID-19 patient who had a novel mutation in IFNAR1 and was treated with IFN-γ. Our findings and approach to managing this COVID-19 patient suggest that IFN-γ therapy could be an appropriate choice to treat patients with defects in IFN-α/β signaling pathways.