Interferon

Question 1

What are interferons?

Answer 1

Interferons are cytokines released by the body in response to viral infections and neoplasia.

Question 2

How are interferons classified?

Answer 2

They are classified according to their cellular origin and the type of receptor they bind to. Interferon-alpha and interferon-beta bind to type 1 receptors, while interferon-gamma binds to type 2 receptors.

Question 3

Which cells produce interferon-alpha?

Answer 3

Interferon-alpha is produced by leucocytes.

Question 4

What are the actions and uses of interferon-alpha?

Answer 4

It has antiviral activity and is used in hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Kaposi’s sarcoma, metastatic renal cell cancer and hairy cell leukaemia.

Question 5

What are the key adverse effects of interferon-alpha?

Answer 5

Flu-like symptoms and depression.

Question 6

Which cells produce interferon-beta?

Answer 6

Interferon-beta is produced by fibroblasts.

Question 7

What is the clinical use of interferon-beta?

Answer 7

It has antiviral activity and reduces the frequency of exacerbations in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Question 8

Which cells produce interferon-gamma?

Answer 8

Interferon-gamma is produced predominantly by natural killer cells and also by T helper cells.

Question 9

What is the main function of interferon-gamma?

Answer 9

It has a weaker antiviral effect and a stronger immunomodulatory role, particularly in macrophage activation.

Question 10

What conditions may benefit from interferon-gamma therapy?

Answer 10

Chronic granulomatous disease and osteopetrosis.