This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Interferon gamma

Authoring team

Interferon gamma is distinct from interferon alpha and beta. It functions not so much as an antiviral, but as a signal between T-helper lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes.

It is a glycoprotein produced by:

  • T-helper lymphocytes: by far the biggest source
  • NK cells
  • CD8+ cells
  • mononuclear phagocytes

T-helper lymphocytes produce interferon gamma in response to interleukin-2 or antigen stimulation.

Its in vitro effects include:

  • production of an antiviral state
  • cytostatic for tumour cells
  • activation of mononuclear phagocytes:
    • superoxide anion production
    • phagocytosis
    • MHC class II expression
    • intracellular killing
  • activation of endothelial cells
  • pyretic
  • induction of acute phase response
  • increased class I and II MHC expression in a range of cells

Clinically, it is currently used for the treatment of chronic granulomatous disease.

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.