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