Interferon
Interferons are a group of naturally occurring proteins, classified as cytokines, that play a crucial role in the body's immune response to infections and tumors. They are produced by leukocytes and fibroblasts and help to combat foreign agents like viruses and cancer cells by inducing healthy cells to produce enzymes that inhibit these invaders. The three major types of interferons—alpha, beta, and gamma—are differentiated by their amino acid sequences and structures. While naturally occurring interferons were first identified in the 1950s, advancements in recombinant DNA technology in the 1980s enabled the production of these proteins in sufficient quantities for therapeutic use.
Interferons are employed in various medical treatments, particularly for viral infections and as adjuncts to chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Specific applications include the use of interferon alfa for kidney cancer and viral hepatitis, interferon beta for multiple sclerosis, and interferon gamma for granulomatous disease. While effective, treatment with interferons can lead to side effects, which may include flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and more severe neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite their significant role in therapy, the use of interferons has seen a decline in recent years with the emergence of newer immunotherapies that offer improved efficacy.
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Subject Terms
Interferon
ATC CODE: 103AB (interferons); LO3AB01 (interferon alfa natural, Alferon-N, Roferon-A); LO3AB02 (interferon beta natural); LO3AB03 (interferon gamma, Actimmune); LO3AB04 (interferon alfa-2a, Roferon-A, Pegasys); LO3AB05 (interferon alfa-2b, Rebetron, Pegintron, Intron-A); LO3AB06 (interferon alfa-n1); LO3AB07 (interferon beta-1a, Avonex, Rebif); LO3AB08 (interferon beta-1b, Betaseron); LO3AB09 (interferon alfacon-1, Infergen); SO1AD05 (interferons)
DEFINITION: Interferons are cytokines, naturally occurring proteins produced by leukocytes or fibroblasts. When a foreign agent such as a virus or cancer enters the cell, interferon is released into the body fluids to induce healthy cells to manufacture an enzyme to counter the invasion. The interferons are described as alpha, beta, and gamma according to their amino acid sequence and structure.
The naturally occurring interferons were first described in the 1950s. Then in 1980 scientists inserted the interferon gene into the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) using recombinant DNA technology. The resulting bacterial culture allowed the recovery and purification of a quantity of interferon sufficient for therapeutic use. In the twenty-first century, interferon is used to fight viral infections and in conjunction with chemotherapy as an anticancer drug.
Cancers treated or prevented: Kidney cancer, melanoma, multiple myeloma, carcinoid tumors, some types of and leukemia
Delivery routes: Intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous injection; also available as a nasal spray to protect against rhinoviruses
How this substance works: Interferons, both naturally and therapeutically, work by stimulating the body’s own immune system by slowing, blocking, or changing the growth or function of the replication of foreign invaders such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, or tumor cells.
- Alpha interferons: Various alpha interferons have been approved to treat several types of cancers and more than ten infections. Interferon alfa natural is used for treating kidney (renal cell) cancer, malignant melanoma, multiple myeloma, carcinoid tumors, some types of lymphoma and leukemia, and genital warts; and interferon alfa-2a for treating viral hepatitis B and C.
- Beta interferons: Interferon beta-1a and -1b are used for treating multiple sclerosis. One medication, Rebif, is uses beta interferons to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
- Gamma interferons: Interferon gamma-1b treats granulomatous disease.
Side effects: Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and pains, and malaise are expected with all interferons. Life-threatening neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and suicide have been reported, but the link between interferon and these psychiatric developments remains unclear. Fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, joint aches, back pain, and dizziness have been reported. Other possible side effects include anorexia, congestion, increased heart rate, confusion, low white blood cell count, low platelet count, low red blood cell count, increase in liver enzymes, increase in triglycerides, temporary skin rashes, hair loss or thinning, swelling, cough, and difficulty breathing. In the mid-2020s, the use of interferons began to decline with the advent of immunotherapies that proved more effective and efficient.
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