interferon gamma

interferon gamma,

a small, species-specific glycoprotein produced by mitogen-stimulated T cells. It possesses antiviral activity and plays a central role in the immunoregulatory processes.

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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 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