Effect of recombinant interferon alfa-2b on cytokine production activity of immune system cells in children with COVID-19

The clinical efficacy of recombinant IFN-α2b in therapy for COVID-19 in children is the basis for studying the parameters of the cytokine production activity of immune system cells and will allow to optimize antiviral therapy regimens. Objective. To study the effect of recombinant IFN-α2b on serum IFN-α and IFN-γ concentrations and their synthesis by immune system cells in children with COVID-19. Materials and methods. Peripheral blood samples from 100 patients aged 1 to 17 years (1–7 years – 50 people, 8–17 years – 50 people) with a moderate course of COVID-19 were examined. Patients in the study group received recombinant IFN-α2b as Вклюpart of complex therapy. Patients in the comparison group received antiviral therapy with Arbidol®. Multiplex analysis was used to determine serum IFN-α and IFN-γ concentrations and the level of their synthesis by immune system cells. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine serum concentrations of antibodies to IFN-α. Results. Combination therapy with recombinant IFN-α2b in children of both age groups led to an increase in serum IFN-α concentrations compared to baseline values prior to treatment, in children in the control group and patients with COVID-19 after treatment with Arbidol. There were no significant changes in serum IFN-α and IFN-γ concentrations and their synthesis in intact and PHA-stimulated cells in children of both age groups during treatment with Arbidol. Serum concentrations of antibodies to IFN-α during treatment with recombinant IFN-α2b did not depend on the age of children and remained within the reference range. Conclusion. A significant increase in serum IFN-α concentrations and restoration of its synthesis level induced by PHA to reference values indicate that the use of recombinant interferon medications with their antiviral and immunomodulatory effects should become an integral part of COVID-19 therapy. Key words: children, COVID-19, recombinant interferon IFN-α2b, serum IFN-α concentrations, IFN-α synthesis levels