Question

What are the potential problems of using a poxvirus that expresses interleukin 4 (IL-4)?

Answer 1

Interleukin 4 is a immune system effector molecule, which can modify the response of immune system. Poxviruses that express IL-4 pose the following threats:

1. Death or lethality in host organism- Poxviruses which express IL4 can induce lethality via IL-4 receptor mediated mechanism. It can lead to death even of previously immunized model organisms, like mice.
2. Such viruses can evade secondary memory respresponse in hosts, and lead to diseased conditions. The immune system of host becomes ineffective against poxviruses that express IL-4.