a CEA, DRM, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France , b INRA, Physiologie Animale, Jouy-en-Josas, France , c CEA, CRSSA, EPHE, DRM, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France Background: Type I interferons (IFN) exhibit efficient antiviral activities notably against HIV, but severe side effects restrict their clinical uses.