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Interferon
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Interferon,
any of a group of antiviral proteins produced by animals, including
humans, in response to infection by viruses. First recognized in chick
embryo cells by British virologist Alick Isaacs and his Swiss colleague
Jean Lindenmann in 1957, interferons were found to block further viral
infection of body cells. The active antiviral substance is not the
interferons themselves, but proteins that interferons cause other cells to
produce. Some of these proteins have been identified, but their manner of
operation is not yet well understood. It is clear, however, that
interferons play a role in the body's most important defenses against
viruses, and that they help fight bacteria and other disease-causing
agents.
Interferons
may be grouped into three categories. Alpha (leukocyte) interferons are
made by white blood cells, beta (fibroblast) interferons by skin cells,
and gamma (immune) interferons by lymphocytes after stimulation by
antigens.
During
the 1960s physicians attempted to use interferons to treat virus-caused
human diseases, especially colds, but the therapy was determined
impractical due to the enormous cost of obtaining minute quantities of
interferons from human white blood cells. Researchers then tried to
stimulate the body to make its own interferons with inducers such as
synthetic nucleic acids. These chemicals worked, but the body quickly
became tolerant of them, and they lost their effect. In 1980, however,
interferons were made available in sufficient quantities through genetic
engineering techniques, and trials testing dosage levels and side effects
were begun the following year.
Thus
far only some alpha interferons have been tested, but they have shown
promise against a host of viral diseases. The use of interferons against
such cancers as malignant melanoma and renal cell cancer has produced
mixed results. The side effects accompanying interferons can range from
mild to life-threatening. Beta and gamma interferons have not yet been
tested in quantity, but may prove more useful than alpha interferons. |
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