Interferon is distinguished by several advantages compared to other types of interferons. According to experts, trials on mice have shown the new drug’s effectiveness not only for prevention but also for treating the early stage of the disease.
Viral respiratory infections are highlighted as a global health issue, with different strategies for addressing them. One method involves stimulating the components of the innate immune response through interferons, which are proteins produced in response to viral invasions and other hostile factors, forming the body’s first and most crucial line of defense against viral infections.
Studies on type I and type II interferons were detailed in the second half of the twentieth century. However, relatively recently, about 20 years ago, Lambda Interferons (IFN-λ), also known as type III interferons, were discovered. These offer various advantages over previously discovered interferons: they provide protection against a wide range of viruses (flu, coronavirus, and other acute respiratory viral infections), act locally, especially on the respiratory tract’s mucous membrane, without causing excessive immune activation or significant side effects.
Luzkov added, “We administered Lambda Interferon according to a preventive schedule one day before infection with the pandemic influenza ‘Alpha’ strain. The drug was shown to prevent the virus from spreading in the animal’s lungs and reduced weight loss and mortality rates.” He explained that during the Spanish flu pandemic between 1918 and 1920, one of the main reasons for high mortality rates was secondary bacterial infections caused by pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
In the future, the team faces the task of developing a drug in the form of drops or nasal sprays that can be used as a preventive measure against viral infections in humans.
