IFN-γ
Interferon gamma | |||||||
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Identifiers | |||||||
Symbol | ? | ||||||
HGNC | 5438 | ||||||
OMIM | 147570 | ||||||
RefSeq | NM_000619 | ||||||
UniProt | P01579 | ||||||
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Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is a cytokine that is critical for innate and adaptive immunity against viral, some bacterial and protozoal infections. IFN-γ is an important activator of macrophages and inducer of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecule expression. Aberrant IFN-γ expression is associated with a number of autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Structure[edit | edit source]
IFN-γ is a dimerized soluble cytokine that is the only member of the type II class of interferons. The gene encoding IFN-γ is located on chromosome 12 in humans.
Function[edit | edit source]
IFN-γ has antiviral, immunoregulatory, and anti-tumor properties. It alters transcription in up to 30 genes producing a variety of physiological and cellular responses. IFN-γ is produced predominantly by natural killer cells and T lymphocytes.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
IFN-γ binds to the interferon gamma receptor (IFNGR), which is a complex of two different subunits, IFNGR1 and IFNGR2. This binding activates the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, leading to the transcription of IFN-γ-responsive genes.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
IFN-γ is used clinically to treat chronic granulomatous disease and osteopetrosis. It is also being investigated for its potential in treating various cancers and infectious diseases.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
- Cytokine
- Immune system
- Macrophage
- Natural killer cell
- T lymphocyte
- JAK-STAT signaling pathway
- Granulomatous disease
- Osteopetrosis
- Cancer
- Infectious disease
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