Interferon gamma

Interferon gamma (IFNγ) is a type of interferon that plays a crucial role in the immune system. It is a protein produced by lymphocytes and is involved in the regulation of the immune and inflammatory responses.

Function

Interferon gamma is a cytokine that is critical for innate and adaptive immunity against viral, some bacterial and protozoal infections. IFNγ is an important activator of macrophages and inducer of Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule expression. Aberrant IFNγ expression is associated with a number of autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The importance of IFNγ in the immune system stems in part from its ability to inhibit viral replication directly, and most importantly from its immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory effects.

Production

IFNγ is produced predominantly by natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cells as part of the innate immune response, and by CD4 Th1 and CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) effector T cells once antigen-specific immunity develops.

Role in disease

Aberrant IFNγ expression is associated with a number of autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The importance of IFNγ in the immune system stems in part from its ability to inhibit viral replication directly, and most importantly from its immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory effects.

See also

• Interferon
• Cytokine
• Immune system
• Innate immunity
• Adaptive immunity

Interferon gamma Resources
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