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Viral infection leads to inflammatory processes to combat the disease. Interferons (IFN) are kind of “first responder” molecules which among other functions are responsible for the initiation of massive cytokine production to report the immune system about viral invasion. At the same time, unrestrained immune response may be accompanied by overexcited increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines synthesis leading to a phenomenon called the “cytokine storm”. Therefore, modulating the inflammatory response is an important strategy for treating consequences of viral infection.

Recently, we discovered a 9-amino acid cyclic peptide named ALOS4, which exerts strong anti-cancer properties without any toxicity. Studying the role of ALOS4 in interferon regulation in malignancy, we found that the peptide leads to a decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines, prevents an increase of IFN type I and type III and initiates a dramatic reduction in expression of other interferon-response genes, while not of those involved in anti-viral fight.

Success of healing and survival in viral infection depends on the ability of the body to control the inflammatory response, including prevention/attenuation of the cytokine storm and consequences of complications driven by acute inflammation. We believe that by elucidation of the mechanism of ALOS4 inhibition of the type I and type III interferons’ response, as well as by assessment of its ability to manage the cytokine storm, and facilitate expression of genes involved in the antiviral response, we will establish ALOS4 as a potential drug candidate for the treatment of acute inflammation caused by viral infection.