A group of molecules, which limit the spread of viral infections
- two categories of IFNs
- type I IFNs maybe sub-divided further into IFN-alpha and beta
- induced by viruses, pro-inflammatory cytokines and endotoxins from gram negative bacterial cell walls
- presence is vital for successful viral eradication by the innate immune system
- type II interferon is IFN-gamma
- produced by T Helper cells and NK cells
- able to augment both the antigen presenting properties together with the phagocytic properties of the APCs (e.g. macrophages and dentritic cells)
Interferons are involved in the regulation of:
- natural immunity:
- interferons induce a state of increased resistance to viral infection
- specific immunity:
- regulation of lymphocyte activity
- production of antibodies
- regulation of cytotoxic T-cells
Interferons have been used in the treatment of three classes of disorder:
- viral infections
- malignant disease
- autoimmune disease