Type 1 interferons as a potential treatment against COVID-19.

Type 1 interferons have a broad antiviral activity in vitro and are currently evaluated in a clinical trial to treat MERS-CoV. In this review, we discuss preliminary data concerning the potential activity of type 1 interferons on SARS-CoV-2, and the relevance of evaluating these molecules in clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19. • Interferon treatment has shown mixed efficiency against SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. • SARS-CoV-2 is probably more sensitive to interferon than the other coronaviruses. • The IFNβ subtype appears to be the most suited for COVID-19 treatment. • Interferon treatment should be performed in the early stages of the infection. • Investigation on interferon-based COVID-19 treatment is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]