Interferon alpha

Interferon alpha

Potent immune-defense protein; used as an anti-cancer drug.

Mentioned in: Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia

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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.