Camelid type I interferons: Identification and functional characterization of interferon alpha from the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius).

ABSTRACT: Investigations into the molecular immune response of dromedary camel, a key livestock species of the arid, have been limited due to the lack of species-specific reagents. Here we describe for the first time, the identification and characterization of type I IFNs of dromedary camel, which are the most important cytokines in the innate host immune response against viruses. We cloned camel IFN-? coding sequences and identified a total of eleven subtypes. The canonical IFN-? subtype designated as IFN-?1 contained a 555-bp Open Reading Frame encoding a protein of 184 amino acids. Recombinant IFN-?1 protein was produced in E. coli and purified from inclusion bodies. Recombinant camel IFN-?1 induced the mRNA expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in camel kidney cells. The purified protein also showed potent in-vitro antiviral activity against Camelpox Virus in kidney cells. The identified camel IFN-? protein and the subtypes will facilitate a better understanding of the host immune response to viral infections in camel and the development of potential antiviral biologicals for zoonotic diseases for which camel act as a reservoir.

SUBMITTER: Premraj A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7112685 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature