Interferon

Interferons are a group of signaling proteins produced and released by host cells in response to the presence of several viruses. In a typical scenario, a virus-infected cell will release interferons causing nearby cells to heighten their anti-viral defenses. Interferons belong to the large class of proteins known as cytokines, molecules used for communication between cells to trigger the protective defenses of the immune system that help eradicate pathogens.

The structure of interferon

Classification of Interferons

Interferons are classified into three types: Type I (IFN-α and IFN-β), Type II (IFN-γ) and Type III (IFN-λ). The type I interferons are the most widely investigated due to their potent antiviral activities.

Interferon Production and Action Mechanism

Interferons are produced in response to pathogenic invasions, such as from viruses. When a cell detects the presence of a virus, it releases interferon proteins, alerting nearby cells of the impending danger. The neighboring cells, in turn, ramp up their virus defense mechanisms. Interferons prevent virus replication by degrading viral RNA, inhibiting the synthesis of viral proteins, and causing cells to initiate apoptosis (self-destruction) when they are unable to prevent the virus from replicating.

Role in Immune Response

Interferons play a critical role in the first line of defense against viral infections. They are also active against bacterial, parasitic, and tumor cells, enhancing the immune response by influencing the communication between cells, inhibiting cell proliferation, and modulating the immune response.

Therapeutic Uses of Interferons

Interferons have therapeutic applications in treating viral infections such as hepatitis and herpes viruses, cancers including certain types of leukemia and lymphomas, and autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis.

See Also

• Virus
• Cytokine
• Immune system
• Hepatitis

Interferon Resources
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