Interferon

Interferons are signaling proteins that help coordinate immune responses, especially defenses against viruses. They bind cell-surface receptors and alter gene activity in target cells.

Interferon receptors: Cell-surface proteins that bind interferons and initiate intracellular signaling. Interferon activity begins when these receptors detect its signals.
Type I interferon: A class of interferons, including interferon-alpha and interferon-beta, produced by many cell types during infection. This family drives a rapid antiviral alarm across infected tissues.
Interferon beta-1a: A recombinant form of interferon beta used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It applies interferon signaling to reduce disease activity in multiple sclerosis.
Interleukin: A cytokine that mediates communication among immune cells and between immune and other cells. Interleukins are a broad cytokine group whose roles differ from interferons' characteristic antiviral signaling.
Cytokine storm: A severe, dysregulated immune response in which excessive cytokine signaling causes systemic inflammation and tissue injury. Excessive interferon signaling can contribute to harmful inflammation in some infections.
JAK-STAT signaling pathway: A signaling system in which Janus kinases activate STAT proteins that regulate gene expression. Most interferon receptors use this pathway to switch on immune-response genes.
Type II interferon: Interferon-gamma, a cytokine produced mainly by activated T cells and natural killer cells. This family member chiefly activates immune cells and strengthens cellular immunity.
Interferon alfa-2b: A recombinant interferon-alpha protein used to treat certain cancers and viral infections. This drug illustrates interferon's direct use as an immune-modulating therapy.
Tumor necrosis factor: A cytokine that promotes inflammation and can induce cell death through specific receptors. Its inflammatory and cell-death effects contrast with interferons' signature antiviral gene programs.
Systemic lupus erythematosus: A chronic autoimmune disease that can affect skin, joints, kidneys, blood, and other organs. Elevated type I interferon activity is a prominent feature of many cases.

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