Interferon alfa-2b

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Interferon alfa-2b is a recombinant protein used in the treatment of various viral infections and cancer. It is a type of interferon, which are proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and tumor cells. Interferon alfa-2b is produced using recombinant DNA technology and is marketed under the brand name Intron A.

Medical uses

Interferon alfa-2b is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Hairy cell leukemia
• Malignant melanoma
• Follicular lymphoma
• Condylomata acuminata (genital warts)
• Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV/AIDS patients

Mechanism of action

Interferon alfa-2b works by binding to specific receptors on the surface of cells, initiating a complex signaling pathway that leads to the expression of numerous genes. These genes are involved in:

• Inhibiting viral replication
• Enhancing the immune response
• Inhibiting cell proliferation
• Inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death)

Administration

Interferon alfa-2b can be administered via several routes, including:

• Intramuscular injection
• Subcutaneous injection
• Intravenous injection

Side effects

Common side effects of interferon alfa-2b include:

• Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches)
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Hair loss

History

Interferon alfa-2b was one of the first recombinant proteins to be approved for medical use. It was developed in the 1980s and has since been used to treat millions of patients worldwide.

See also

• Interferon
• Recombinant DNA
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Cancer treatment

Related pages

• Interferon
• Recombinant DNA
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Cancer treatment