Interferon type I

Interferon type I is a group of proteins that are 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.

The three-dimensional structure of human interferon beta.

Function

Interferon type I proteins are involved in the immune response to viral infections. They are produced by infected cells and act to protect neighboring cells from infection. They do this by inducing a state of resistance to viral replication in these cells, increasing presentation of antigens to T lymphocytes, and activating natural killer cells and macrophages.

Types

There are several types of interferon type I proteins, including Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), Interferon-beta (IFN-beta), Interferon-epsilon (IFN-epsilon), Interferon-kappa (IFN-kappa), and Interferon-omega (IFN-omega).

Clinical significance

Interferon type I proteins have been used clinically in the treatment of diseases such as Hepatitis C, Multiple Sclerosis, and certain types of Cancer. They are also being investigated for their potential use in the treatment of other diseases, such as HIV and Influenza.

See also

• Interferon
• Interferon type II
• Interferon type III
• Viral infection
• Immune response

External links

• Interferon+Type+I at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)