IL-29/IL-28A suppress HSV-1 infection of human NT2-N neurons.

The newly identified cytokines, IL-28/IL-29 (also termed type III IFNs), are able to inhibit a number of viruses. Here, we examined the antiviral effects of IL-29/IL-28A against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in human NT2-N neurons and CHP212 neuronal cells. Both IL-29 and IL-28A could efficiently inhibit HSV-1 replication in neuronal cells, as evidenced by the reduced expression of HSV-1 DNA and proteins. This inhibitory effect of IL-29 and IL-28A against HSV-1 could be partially blocked by antibody to IL-10Rβ, one of the key receptors for IL-29 and IL-28A. To explore the underlying antiviral mechanisms employed by IL-29/IL-28A, we showed that IL-29/IL-28A could selectively induce the expression of several Toll-like receptors (TLRs) as well as activate TLR-mediated antiviral pathway, including IFN regulatory factor 7, IFN-α, and the key IFN-α stimulated antiviral genes.