Abstract
Melanoma differentiation associated gene-7 (mda-7)/interleukin-
24 (IL-24) is a secreted cytokine, which plays an essential
role in tumor suppression. Although its role as a multifunctional
protein affecting broad types of cancers is well
described, functions of IL-24 in host defense against virus
infection are yet to be determined. In this study, we explored
the anti-viral effect of recombinant IL-24 treatment during
influenza infection. Infection of human lung adenocarcinoma
cells (A549) with the influenza A virus up-regulated IL-24
mRNA and protein expression in a time-dependent manner.
Pre-treatment of A549 cells with recombinant IL-24 protein
effectively suppressed viral plaque formation. Furthermore,
IL-24 treatment of A549 cells reduced viral non-structural
protein 1 (NS1) synthesis, whereas IL-24 knockdown resulted
in increased viral replication. Interestingly, IL-24 treatment
following influenza A virus infection led to up-regulation of
interferon (IFN)-induced antiviral signaling. Taken together,
our results suggest that IL-24 exerts a potent suppressive effect
on influenza viral replication and can be used in the treatment
of influenza infection.
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