AUTHOR=Yang Yicheng , Lyu Taibiao , Zhou Runing , He Xiaoen , Ye Kaiyan , Xie Qian , Zhu Li , Chen Tingting , Shen Chu , Wu Qinghua , Zhang Bao , Zhao Wei TITLE=The Antiviral and Antitumor Effects of Defective Interfering Particles/Genomes and Their Mechanisms JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology VOLUME=10 YEAR=2019 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.01852 DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2019.01852 ISSN=1664-302X ABSTRACT=

Defective interfering particles (DIPs), derived naturally from viral particles, are not able to replicate on their own. Several studies indicate that DIPs exert antiviral effects via multiple mechanisms. DIPs are able to activate immune responses and suppress virus replication cycles, such as competing for viral replication products, impeding the packaging, release and invasion of viruses. Other studies show that DIPs can be used as a vaccine against viral infection. Moreover, DIPs/DI genomes display antitumor effects by inducing tumor cell apoptosis and promoting dendritic cell maturation. With genetic modified techniques, it is possible to improve its safety against both viruses and tumors. In this review, a comprehensive discussion on the effects exerted by DIPs is provided. We further highlight the clinical significance of DIPs and propose that DIPs can open up a new platform for antiviral and antitumor therapies.