Interferon

interferon /in·ter·fer·on/ (IFN) (-fer´on) any of a family of glycoproteins, production of which can be stimulated by viral infection, by intracellular parasites, by protozoa, and by bacteria and bacterial endotoxins, that exert antiviral activity and have immunoregulatory functions; they also inhibit the growth of nonviral intracellular parasites. Interferons are designated a, ß, ?, and ? on the basis of association with certain producer cells and functions; all animal cells, however, can produce interferons and some cells can produce more than one type. Pharmaceutical preparations of natural or synthetic interferons (e.g., i. alfa-2a, i. alfa-2b, i. alfa-n1, i. alfa-n3, i. alfacon-1, i. beta-1a, i. beta-1b, i. gamma-1b ) are used as antineoplastics and biological response modifiers.

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in·ter·fer·on (ntr-fîrn)

n. Abbr. IFN

Any of a group of glycoproteins that are produced by different cell types in response to various stimuli, such as exposure to viruses, and that block viral replication in newly infected cells and, in some cases, modulate specific cellular functions.

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Interferon

A protein formed when cells are exposed to a virus. Interferon causes other noninfected cells to develop translation inhibitory protein (TIP). TIP blocks viruses from infecting new cells.

Mentioned in: Ascites, Cervical Cancer, Herbalism, Traditional Chinese, Rhinitis

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interferon (in´trfir´on),

n a small class of glycoproteins capable of exerting antiviral activity in homologous cells through metabolic processes involving synthesis of RNA.

interferon alpha,

n a type formed by leukocytes in response to viral infection or by stimulation with double-stranded RNA. These protein products are used as antineoplastic agents. Specifically used as an antineoplastic agent for the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma in AIDS patients. See also interferon alfa-2a.

interferon alfa-2a/interferon alfa-2b/interferon alfa-n1/interferon alfa-n3,

n brand names: Roferon-A, Intron-A, Alferon N;
drug class: biologic response modifier;
action: antiviral action inhibits viral replication by reprogramming virus; antitumor action suppresses cell proliferation; immunomodulating action phagacytizes target cells;
uses: hairy-cell leukemia in persons older than 18 years, metastatic melanoma, AIDS, Kaposi's sarcoma, bladder carcinoma, lymphomas, malignant myeloma, mycosis fungoides.

interferon beta,

n a type formed by fibroblasts by stimulation similar to the alpha form.

interferon gamma,

n a type formed by lymphocytes in response to mitogenic stimulation. See also interferon gamma-1b.

interferon gamma-1b,

n brand name: Actimmune;
drug class: biologic response modifier;
action: species-specific protein synthesized in response to viruses, enhances antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, enhances natural killer cell activity;
uses: serious infections associated with chronic granulomatous disease.

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interferon Cell biology A family of immune regulatory proteins–immunomodulators–produced by T cells, fibroblasts, and other cells in response to double-stranded DNA, viruses, mitogens, antigens, or lectins; IFNs ↑ the bactericidal, viricidal and tumoricidal activities of macrophages Types α–20 subtypes, IFN-β–2 subtypes, both produced by macrophages, IFN-γ, IFN-omega, IFN-tau Actions 1. Antiviral, causing those cells playing host to certain viruses–eg, rhinovirus, HPV, and retrovirus to produce proteins that interfere with intracellular viral replication 2. Antiproliferative, acting by unknown mechanisms, possibly ↓ translation of certain proteins, slowing cell cycling 3. Immunomodulatory, stimulating certain immune effects–T-cell activation, maturation of pre-NK cells, and ↑ phagocytosis and cytotoxicity by macrophages Adverse effects Flu-like symptoms, GI tract–N&V, anorexia, diarrhea, dysgeusia, xerostomia, neurologic—confusion, somnolence, poor concentration, seizures, transient aphasia, hallucinations, paranoia, psychoses, cardiopulmonary–tachycardia, dyspnea, orthostatic hypotension, cyanosis, hepatorenal–↑ transaminases, ↑ BUN, proteinuria, hematologic–neutropenia, thrombocytopenia Sx. See Biological response modifier, MAF, MIF.