Interferon: Immunobiology and Clinical Significance

Abstract

Interferons are proteins elaborated by infected cells that protect noninfected cells from viral infection. These proteins produce a temporary antiviral state by altering nucleotide metabolism and cytoplasmic enzyme induction. Interferons appear early after viral infection locally and systematically to limit spread of viral infection; they also affect cell differentiation, growth, surface antigen expression, morphologic findings and immunoregulation. Several human disorders have diminished interferon production. Newborns have normal interferon-.alpha. but deficient interferon-.gamma. production. Infants with congenital infections may also have defects in interferon production. Immunosuppressed patients receiving transplants (marrow, heart or kidney) have diminished interferon production, particularly immediately after transplant. Deficiencies of interferon have also been noted in Down''s syndrome, cellular immunodeficiencies, uremia, malnutrition and hematopoietic malignancy. Leukocyte interferon has been therapeutically valuable in herpes zoster infections, in patients with cancer and in patients with hepatitis B infection. Interferon has not been proved to help children with congenital cytomegalovirus or rubella. Interferon can shrink lymphoid tumors, particularly non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma.