Interferons lambda - therapeutic application

Abstract

Interferons are a group of protein molecules with a broad spectrum of effects on the human body. Interferon lambda (type III interferon) was discovered comparatively recently about 20 years ago and its action is still poorly understood. However, the study of its properties and mechanisms of action is of great interest, since it not only has similarity with type I interferons, but has a number of distinctive features that create prerequisites for expanding its clinical use. Particularly, interferon lambda is not produced by all cells of the body, and therefore has a more targeted effect and lower systemic side effects than type I interferons. This review considers the biological activity of exogenous interferon lambda: the mechanisms of its antiviral, antitumor, antifungal and immunomodulatory activity. The possibility of its use in clinical practice for the treatment of such diseases as Sjogren’s syndrome, atopic asthma, autoimmune arthritis, various tumors, as well as against a various of RNA- and DNA-containing viruses that attack the anatomical barrier surface of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, blood-brain barrier and liver is discussed. This review also considers pegylated recombinant interferon lambda. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated a higher safety profile of pegylated interferon lambda compared with pegylated interferon alpha.