The Use of Recombinant Feline Interferon Omega Therapy as an Immune-Modulator in Cats Naturally Infected with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus: New Perspectives.

Rodolfo Leal,Solange Gil

doi:10.3390/vetsci3040032

Abstract

Type I interferons (IFNs) are well-known cytokines that, among their main functions, are key components of the host immune response against viral infections. Due to its immune modulation properties, they are commonly used in the therapeutic approach of various retroviral infections, namely human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). In HIV infection, it has been shown that IFN therapy limits early viral replication, particularly useful on post-exposure prophylaxis. In veterinary medicine, recombinant feline interferon omega (rFeIFN-ω) was the first interferon licensed for use in cats. Several studies have recently shown that this compound seems to stimulate the innate immunity, decreasing clinical signs and co-infections in naturally FIV-infected cats. More than summarizing the main conclusions about rFeIFN-ω in cats, this review emphasizes the immune-modulation properties of IFN therapy, opening new perspectives for its use in retroviral infections. Either in FIV-infected cats or in HIV individuals, type I IFNs seem to induce an innate immune-modulation and should not be overlooked as a therapeutic option in retroviral infections.

Highlights

Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina, Veterinária, University of Lisbon (ULisbon), Av
Being the first work documenting the effect of rFeIFN-ω on acute phase proteins (APPs) profiles, this study reinforces the action of this compound on the innate immune system, helping to clarify the mechanisms of action of the licensed protocol [28]
Following the same methodology of previous studies, the clinical improvement, concurrent viral excretion, APP profiles, and different hematology and biochemistry parameters in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected cats treated with the oral protocol were assessed

Summary

Introduction

Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina, Veterinária, University of Lisbon (ULisbon), Av. In humans and in feline medicine, the use of type I IFNs as immune modulation therapy is common, in retroviral infections [17,18,19]. The effect of rFeIFN-ω licensed protocol in cats living in an animal shelter was evaluated, assessing clinical improvement and monitoring concurrent viral excretion (namely herpesvirus, calicivirus, and coronavirus) [26].

Results

Conclusion