IFNG and infection: Additionally, although there are no statistical differences, IFN-γ administration at 24 h post SFTSV infection seemed to have a slight negative impact on the animal survival instead of protective effects (Figures 8C,D), probably reflecting the other side of IFN-γ as a pro-inflammatory factor which may exacerbate the inflammatory pathogenesis in some viral infections (53, 56, 57).