Interferons

(noun)

Interferons (IFNs) are proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites or tumor cells. They allow for communication between cells to trigger the protective defenses of the immune system that eradicate pathogens or tumors.

Related Terms

Examples of Interferons in the following topics:

  • Interferons

    • Interferons (IFNs) are proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens.
    • The type I interferons present in humans are IFN-α, IFN-β and IFN-ω.
    • Interferon type II: These bind to IFNGR that consist of IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 chains.
    • In addition, interferons induce production of hundreds of other proteins—known collectively as interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs)—that have roles in combating viruses.
    • Interferons, such as interferon gamma, directly activate other immune cells, such as macrophages and natural killer cells.

  • Treatment of Animal Viral Infections

    • Interferons play pivotal roles in shaping the immune responses in mammals.
    • One of the best-known of this class of drugs are interferons, which inhibit viral synthesis in infected cells.
    • Interferons (IFNs) play pivotal roles in shaping the immune responses in mammals and are particularly important for the control of viral infections, cell growth, and immune regulation.
    • Elucidating the molecular and cellular biology of the virus-interferon interaction is key to understanding issues such as viral pathogenesis, latency, and the development of novel antivirals.

  • Immunoassays for Disease

    • The humoral component includes complement, lyzozyme, interferon, antibodies, and cytokines.

  • Macrophages

    • Most macrophages express high levels of interferon-gamma, a mechanism through which antigen presentation and T cell activation is enhanced.

  • Natural Passive Immunity

    • In addition to the IgA and IgG, human milk also contains: oligosaccharides and mucins that adhere to bacteria and viruses to interfere with their attachment to host cells; lactoferrin to bind iron and make it unavailable to most bacteria; B12 binding protein to deprive bacteria of needed vitamin B12; bifidus factor that promotes the growth of Lactobacillus bifidus, normal flora in the gastrointestinal tract of infants that crowds out harmful bacteria; fibronectin that increases the antimicrobial activity of macrophages and helps repair tissue damage from infection in the gastrointestinal tract; gamma-interferon, a cytokine that enhances the activity of certain immune cells; hormones and growth factors that stimulate the baby's gastrointestinal tract to mature faster and be less susceptible to infection; and lysozyme to break down peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls.

  • Superantigens

    • More importantly, the large number of activated T-cells secretes large amounts of cytokines, the most important of which is Interferon gamma.

  • Normal Microbiota and Host Relationships

    • Different interferons (IgA, IgG, IgM, etc. ) play roles in defeating viruses located in our membranes.

  • Arboviral Encephalitis

    • Arboviruses usually stimulate the production of interferons and antibodies, which help to diminish the extent of viremia.

  • Phagocyte Migration and Phagocytosis

    • But, during an infection, they receive chemical signals—usually interferon gamma—which increases their production of MHC II molecules and which prepares them for presenting antigens.

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

    • NS1 and NS2 inhibit type I interferon activity.