interferon gamma

interferon gamma IFN-γ A 21-25 kD glycoprotein lymphokine encoded on chromosome 12q and produced by activated T and NK cells; IFN-γ is antiviral, regulates class II MHC antigen expression, Fc receptors and immunoglobulin production and class switching, activates monocyte cytotoxicity and enhances NK cell activity; IFN-γ is ↓ in IgA deficiency, lymphoma, CLL, infections–eg, CMV, EBV, rubella, lepromatous leprosy, TB, SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, sickle cell anemia, post-transplantation Indications Recombinant IFN-γ is used to treat condylomata acuminata, CLL, Hodgkin's disease, mycosis fungoides, rheumatoid arthritis, and possibly leprosy, TB, nontuberculous mycobacterial infections, toxoplasmosis, chronic granulomatous disease–to prevent infections; IFN-γ suppresses collagen synthesis by fibroblasts, ↓ the size of keloids, causing a local ↑ in inflammatory cells and mucin production, and may be of use in controlling abnormal fibrosing conditions Side effects Acute renal failure, rash, headache, chills