Defective Interfering Particles of Influenza Virus and Their Characteristics, Impacts, and Use in Vaccines and Antiviral Strategies: A Systematic Review

Viruses. 2022 Dec 12;14(12):2773. doi: 10.3390/v14122773.

Abstract

Defective interfering particles (DIPs) are particles containing defective viral genomes (DVGs) generated during viral replication. DIPs have been found in various RNA viruses, especially in influenza viruses. Evidence indicates that DIPs interfere with the replication and encapsulation of wild-type viruses, namely standard viruses (STVs) that contain full-length viral genomes. DIPs may also activate the innate immune response by stimulating interferon synthesis. In this review, the underlying generation mechanisms and characteristics of influenza virus DIPs are summarized. We also discuss the potential impact of DIPs on the immunogenicity of live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIVs) and development of influenza vaccines based on NS1 gene-defective DIPs. Finally, we review the antiviral strategies based on influenza virus DIPs that have been used against both influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2. This review provides systematic insights into the theory and application of influenza virus DIPs.

Keywords: NS1; antiviral; clinical trial; defective interfering particles; defective viral genomes; influenza virus; interferon; live attenuated influenza vaccine; viral replication.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents
  • COVID-19*
  • Defective Interfering Viruses
  • Defective Viruses / physiology
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines*
  • Orthomyxoviridae* / genetics
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Virus Replication / genetics

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Influenza Vaccines
  • 3,5-diisopropylsalicylic acid

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the National Natural Science Fund of China (No. 32070932, 32170944); the Science and Technology Development Plan Project of Jilin Province (20220402044GH); the Science Research Project of the Education Department of Jilin Province (JJKH20211056KJ); the Science and Technology Plan Project of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (2020GG0233), China; and Science and Technology Plan Project of Tongliao City, China.