Scientists from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU), in collaboration with researchers from the Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, have developed a novel third-type interferon in laboratory conditions. This new compound is designed to protect against influenza and offers several advantages over existing interferon types. According to the specialists, experiments on mice have demonstrated the drug`s effectiveness not only for prevention but also for treating early stages of the illness. The findings of this study were published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents.
Respiratory viral infections represent a significant global health challenge, for which various strategies are being explored. One key approach involves stimulating the components of the innate immune response. Interferons are vital proteins produced by the body in response to the invasion of viruses and other hostile agents, providing the first and most critical line of defense.
Interferons of the first and second types were extensively studied in the latter half of the 20th century. However, approximately two decades ago, lambda-interferons, also known as third-type interferons, were discovered. These newer interferons exhibit several benefits: they provide protection against a broad spectrum of viruses, including influenza, coronaviruses, and other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVIs), and they primarily act locally on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. This localized action minimizes excessive immune system activation and reduces the significant side effects characteristic of alpha-interferons (first type).
The team of scientists from SPbPU, alongside colleagues from the Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, successfully synthesized recombinant lambda-interferons in laboratory settings. Alexey Lozhkov, an Associate Professor at the Higher School of Biomedical Systems and Technologies at SPbPU and one of the study`s lead authors, stated: “Initially, we obtained a protein preparation that, during experiments on human cells, showed antiviral activity against influenza virus, coronavirus, and Chikungunya fever virus (transmitted by mosquito bites).”
Further research then proceeded with laboratory mice. The scientist explained: “We administered lambda-interferon according to a prophylactic regimen – one day before infection with a pandemic strain of influenza A virus. The results showed that the drug effectively blocked viral spread in the animals` lungs, significantly reducing weight loss and mortality.”
Additionally, SPbPU reported that the study confirmed the effectiveness of third-type interferons in combating secondary infections. Alexey Lozhkov recalled that during the 1918-1920 “Spanish Flu” pandemic, a major cause of high mortality was secondary bacterial infections caused by pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and pneumococcus.
The next objective for the research team is to develop the drug in the form of nasal drops or a spray, which could be used as a preventive measure against human viral infections. “If a person has been in contact with someone infected, they can use the drug to preventively reduce their risk of infection. Moreover, lambda-interferons can also be applied in the early stages of the disease, when a person first experiences symptoms like weakness, sore throat, or general malaise,” the scientist added.
However, the study`s author cautioned that during the acute phase of an illness (with high fever and elevated temperature), interferons, particularly first-type interferons, should be used with caution, as they may contribute to undesirable inflammatory processes in the body.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth