In vitro activity of human recombinant interferon gamma against SARS-CoV-2 virus

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Abstract

Introduction. The development of drugs against SARS-CoV-2 continues to be crucial for reducing the spread of infection and associated mortality.

The aim of the work is to study the neutralization of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with interferon gamma preparations in vitro.

Materials and methods. The activity of recombinant human interferon gamma for intramuscular and subcutaneous administration of 500,000 IU and for intranasal administration of 100,000 IU against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in vitro was studied. The methodological approach of this study is based on the phenomenon of a decrease in the number of plaques formed under the action of a potential antiviral drug.

Results. The antiviral activity of recombinant interferon gamma has been experimentally confirmed, both in preventive and therapeutic application schemes. The smallest number of plaques was observed with the preventive scheme of application of the tested object at concentrations of 1000 and 333 IU/ml. The semi-maximal effective concentration (EC50) with the prophylactic regimen was 24 IU/ml.

Discussion. The preventive scheme of application of the tested object turned out to be more effective than therapeutic one, which is probably explained by the launch of the expression of various interferon-stimulated genes that affect to a greater extent the steps of virus entry into the cell and its reproduction.

Conclusion. Further study of the effect of drugs based on recombinant interferon gamma on the reproduction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus for clinical use for prevention and treatment is highly relevant.

About the authors

Yu. V. Nikolaeva

Smorodintsev research Institute of Influenza WHO National Influenza Centre of Russia

Email: svberns@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6396-3144

Junior Research Scientist

Russian Federation, 197376, St. Petersburg

A. V. Galochkina

Smorodintsev research Institute of Influenza WHO National Influenza Centre of Russia

Email: svberns@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-3208-8006

PhD (Biol.), Leading Research Scientist

Russian Federation, 197376, St. Petersburg

A. A. Shtro

Smorodintsev research Institute of Influenza WHO National Influenza Centre of Russia

Email: svberns@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-2295-1881

PhD (Biol.), Leading Research Scientist, Head of Laboratory of Chemotherapy for Viral Infections

Russian Federation, 197376, St. Petersburg

S. A. Berns

National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation

Author for correspondence.
Email: svberns@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1002-1895

Dr Sci. (Med.), Professor, Head of the Department for the Study of Pathogenetic Aspects of Aging, Professor of the Department of Therapy and General Medical Practice

Russian Federation, 101990, Moscow

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2. Fig. 1. The results of the analysis of the antiviral activity of the test object: Human recombinant gamma interferon, lyophilisate for the preparation of a solution for intranasal administration 100,000 IU against SARS-CoV-2 in the therapeutic scheme for plaque inhibition.

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3. Fig. 2. The results of the analysis of the antiviral activity of the test object: Human recombinant gamma interferon, lyophilizate for the preparation of a solution for intranasal administration of 100,000 IU against SARS-CoV-2 in the prophylactic scheme for the inhibition of plaque formation.

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4. Fig. 3. The result of evaluating the effect on plaque formation inhibition upon infection of a cell monolayer with SARS-CoV-2 at a dose of 100 TCID50 (3 × 10 PFU) in a prophylactic regimen.

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5. Fig. 4. The result of evaluating the effect on plaque formation inhibition when the cell monolayer is infected with SARS-CoV-2 at a dose of 100 TCID50 (3 × 10 PFU) in the therapeutic regimen.

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Copyright (c) 2023 Nikolaeva Y.V., Galochkina A.V., Shtro A.A., Berns S.A.

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