The interferon-α gene family of Marmota himalayana, a Chinese marmot species with susceptibility to woodchuck hepatitis virus infection

The interferon-α (IFN-α) gene family is an important part of the immune system. Recombinant interferon-α is widely used to treat viral hepatitis and malignant diseases. Marmota himalayana has been found to be susceptible to woodchuck hepatitis virus, a virus genetically related to hepatitis B virus (HBV), and is suitable as an animal model for studies on HBV infection. Here, the IFN-α gene family of M. himalayana (cwIFN-α) was characterized. Sequence data indicate that the cwIFN-α family consists of at least 8 functional sequences and 6 pseudogenes with high homology within the family and to IFN-α of Marmota monax, a related species and well-established animal model. The recombinant cwIFN-α subtypes were expressed and tested to be active in viral protection assay and to induce expression of MxA in a species-specific manner. This work provides essential information for future work on testing new therapeutic approaches of HBV infection based on IFN-α in M. himalayana.