Interferon

A biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body’s natural response to disease). Interferons interfere with the division of cancer cells and can slow tumor growth. There are several types of interferons, including interferon-alpha, -beta, and -gamma. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases.

One of a family of naturally occurring proteins produced by the cells of the immune system, attacking viruses, bacteria, tumours and other foreign substances.

A protein substance produced in minute quantities by the body’s immune system, which aids the body in combating viral infections. In the experimental stage, there is evidence that may be useful in combating some forms of cancer.

A protein produced by cells, usually in response to a virus, and which then reduces the spread of viruses.

A member of the group of proteins that exert a number of physiologic and pharmacologic effects including antiviral and antineoplastic activity.

Protein produced by cells that induces immunity to viral infection. Various types of this substance are being used to attempt to fight cancer.

A substance that is produced by cells infected with a virus and has the ability to inhibit viral growth. Interferon is active against many different viruses, but particular interferons are effective only in the species that produces them. It is thus not possible to produce large quantities in animals and use them against human infections. It may, however, be possible to find a means of artificially stimulating the body to produce its own interferon.

A class of chemicals found in the body which provide one of the natural defenses against viral infections and tumors, and which have an effect in regulating immunity. INFs are being investigated for treatment of a number of disorders, and have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use.

It has been known for many years that one virus will interfere with the growth of another. In 1957, research workers isolated the factor that was responsible for the phenomenon, giving it the name of interferon. There are now known to” be three human interferons. They are glycoproteins and are released from cells infected with virus or exposed to stimuli which mimic virus infection. They not only inhibit the growth of viruses; they also inhibit the growth and reduplication of cells, and this is the basis for their investigation as a means of treating cancer.

Any of a group of glycoproteins with antiviral activity. The antiviral type I interferons (alpha and beta interferons) are produced by leukocytes and fibroblasts in response to invasion by a pathogen, particularly a virus. These interferons enable invaded cells to produce class I major histocompatibility complex surface antigens, increasing their ability to be recognized and killed by T lymphocytes. They also inhibit virus production within infected cells. Type I alpha interferon is used to treat condyloma acuminata, chronic hepatitis B and C, and Kaposi’s sarcoma. Type I beta interferon is used to treat multiple sclerosis.

A group of immune system proteins, produced and released by cells infected by a vims, which inhibit viral multiplication and modify the body’s immune response. Three interferon-beta medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating relapsing forms of MS: IFN beta- lb (Betaseron); IFN beta- la (Avonex); and IFN beta-la (Rebif).

A regulatory substance produced by T cells that stimulates phagocytes and other cells to fight off infection.

One of several families of cytokine molecules.

A subset of cytokines classified into two major families, type I and type II, involved in the protection against viral infections and signaling between cells of the immune system.

Are natural cell-signaling glycoproteins known as cytokines produced by the cells of the immune system of most vertebrates in response to challenges such as viruses, parasites and tumour cells.

A family of small (cytokines) proteins (produced by vertebrate cells following a virus infection) possessing potent antiviral effects. Secreted interferons bind to the plasma membrane of other cells in the organism and induce an antiviral state in them (conferring resistance to a broad spectmm of viruses). Three classes of interferons have been isolated and purified, so far: a-interferon (originally called leukocyte interferon), β-interferon (beta interferon or fibroblast interferon), and γ-interferon (gamma interferon or immune interferon, a lymphokine). These proteins have been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli), which has enabled large quantities to be produced for evaluation of the interferons as possible antiviral and anticancer agents. To date, interferons have been used to treat Kaposi’s sarcoma, hairy cell leukemia, venereal warts, multiple sclerosis, and hepatitis.

Antimicrobial glycoproteins produced in response to viral invasion; their presence stimulates cytotoxic T-celI activity and amplifies macrophage action.

Substances produced by cells in the body to help fight infections and tumors. Interferons have been made synthetically since the late 1980s using recombinant DNA technology to treat diseases including leukemias, cancer of the skin and the cervix, Kaposi sarcoma, multiple sclerosis, and chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C). Naturally produced interferons are proteins secreted by cells in response to many triggers, or inducers, including viruses, parasites, and the proliferation of cells, both normal and malignant. Three major classes of interferons have been identified— alpha, beta, and gamma—all of them useful in the fight against infectious disease.

A potent protein that serves as a robust immune defense mechanism and is produced by cells infected with a virus is known as interferon. Synthetic versions of interferon, manufactured in laboratories, are utilized as drugs for anticancer and antiviral treatments.