Research Progress of Bovine Interferon Alpha (BoIFN-α) in Veterinary Science: A Review

Interferons (IFNs) are a class of cytokines with antiviral, antitumor, and immunoregulatory functions, and they have great potential for use in veterinary science. Bovine interferon alpha (BoIFN-α), as a crucial member of the type I IFN family, is essential for keeping Bovine population healthy and preventing diseases. In recent years, research on BoIFN-α has been increasing, covering aspects such as its structural characteristics, biological functions, and mechanisms of action. But in practical real-world application in clinical settings, BoIFN-α still has a variety of significant challenges, like keeping its clinical effectiveness stable and managing production costs. This review gives a thorough overview of the research on BoIFN-α, particularly its applications in antiviral, immune regulation, and disease treatment, and also introduces its clinical applications in the prevention and control of common viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases in Bovine population. Additionally, the review discusses the challenges BoIFN-α faces in veterinary practice and future development directions, with the goal of giving solid theoretical support and practical advice for its in-depth research and widespread application in veterinary science.