The interferons: mechanisms of action and clinical applications
Article Abstract:
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins that can be produced by virtually any cell in the body and have a wide range of physiological effects. In general, IFNs defend the body against viral infections, fight tumor growth and development, and help regulate immunity. This review explains the ways these important chemicals work and the ways they are currently used to treat disease. IFN proteins are of three families: alpha, beta, and gamma. They are intercellular signalling proteins, as are protein hormones, lymphokines, and cytokines (substances with biological activity produced by cells). Descriptions are presented of the ways IFNs act against viruses, tumors, protozoa, and bacteria: in addition, their roles with respect to other intercellular signalling substances are discussed. This latter aspect of IFN function is only beginning to be understood. At present, IFNs alpha (a) and gamma (g) are used clinically. IFN-a-2a, recombinant IFN-a-2b, and natural IFN-a-n(exp3) are available. Interferon has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating hairy-cell leukemia, condyloma acuminatum, Kaposi's sarcoma in AIDS, non-A, non-B hepatitis, and chronic granulomatous disease. Its use in these conditions is evaluated. FDA approval is pending for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer). However, the effectiveness of IFNs is under investigation for treating several other disorders, including malignancies, infections (both viral, bacterial, and protozoal), immune diseases, and disorders of collagen (connective tissue) production. In many cases, IFNs are already used in other countries for treating these diseases. It is likely that these substances will find even wider use in the future as adjuvants, that is, in association with other cytokines, chemotherapeutic drugs, surgical treatments, radiation, and other therapies. New potential uses for IFNs are under review. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1991
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Interferons: biochemistry and mechanisms of action
Article Abstract:
Interferon appears to have many different mechanisms of action. Interferon binds to receptors on the surface of virus-susceptible cells. Viruses replicate by taking over the cell's reproductive mechanism. Interferon signals the cell to modulate its reproductive mechanism so as to inhibit viral replication. Some interferon-induced responses include interference in the transcription of viral RNA into viral proteins and degradation of viral RNA. Interferon also generally stimulates the immune system. Interferon affects tumor growth by interfering with cell multiplication. This may occur by depleting substances required for cell division or by initiating cell self-destruction. Interferon enhances antigen expression, which enables white blood cells to target tumor cells for destruction. Interferon production is also activated by bacterial or protozoan invasion.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1995
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Interleukin-10 messenger ribonucleic acid in human placenta: implications of a role for interleukin-10 in fetal allograft protection
Article Abstract:
The presence of interleukin-10 during pregnancy may explain why the fetus is not rejected by the mother. Interleukin-10 inhibits and activates various functions in the immune system. Pregnancy may produce an immunosuppressed environment within the placenta in order to safeguard the survival of the foreign tissue, the fetus. Researchers detected larger amounts of interleukin-10 messenger ribonucleic acid in tissue of the human placenta taken from four mothers. The technique used was reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction. It is thought that cells in the human placenta may be producing interleukin-10 rather than merely transporting it by white blood cell carriers. Such interleukin-10 production may protect the fetus from being rejected while growing in the maternal womb.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1995
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