Interferon – a part of the immune system

The role of interferons in the evolution of vertebrates

Interferons (IFN) are the basis of antiviral protection in all vertebrates.

When attacked by viral particles, almost any cell in the body can synthesize interferon molecules, informing the rest of the cells that it is infected. Immune cells move towards this signal to eliminate the danger faster. Tissue cells, having received the IFN signal, rearrange their biochemical processes to protect themselves from viruses or slow down their reproduction if they failed to protect themselves.

Innate immunity is a quick but crude response to danger. The innate immune system triggers the acquired immune system through the interferon system – an exact but slow tool for protecting the body from external influences.

The IFN molecule does not fight directly against the viral particle but triggers all the antiviral protection mechanisms without exception. [Read more…]

Interferon triggers all the antiviral protection mechanisms

Actual knowledge about human interferon

Interferon in the human body is produced and functions based on the same principles as in other vertebrates. The human IFN system’s peculiarity is the variety of protective and regulatory processes triggered or stimulated by interferon. Depending on which genes encode the form of the IFN molecule, there are 3 types of interferon.

People have been using interferon since 1960 for the prevention and treatment of viral, fungal, and oncological diseases. [Read more…]

n 2020, the study of human interferon was mainly aimed at combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Some current topics:

Interferon Prevents Coronavirus Cytokine Storm in Diabetic Patients

Interferon increases levels of the enzyme SETDB2, which suppresses inflammation

Interferon Autoantibodies Increase The Risk of Critical COVID-19 in Elders

Autoantibodies that neutralize type I interferons are present in 4% of uninfected people over 70 and are responsible for 20% of deaths from COVID-19

Interferon-α2b inhalation improves clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients

The timing of treatment initiation is crucial – up to 5 days from the onset of symptoms

Interferons against diseases

Interferons are highly active molecules with strictly regulated synthesis by different body systems. To survive, some pathogens are able to counteract the production and action of interferons. Humanity has learned to produce additional IFN molecules to treat and prevent disease.

This section talks about research on diseases against which interferons are effective.

От гриппа H5Nx защитят наивные антитела

Наивные В-клетки распознают гемагглютинин птичьего гриппа

Protection Against Influenza: The Critical Role of Interferon-Lambda

Interferon-λ Signaling in Macrophages is Essential for Antiviral Response to Influenza

NDV-GT – a virus that treats cancer

The oncolytic virus induces a hyperacute rejection response

Longevity and interferons: general factors for a healthy life

Interferons are part of the innate immune system. It is the immune system that provides homeostasis – the body’s ability to maintain its vital functions. The better the immune system works, the longer the body lives.

Many health factors are aimed at strengthening the immune system and hence the interferon system. This section presents studies that identify and explain the “longevity – immunity – interferon” relationship.

How Thymic Cells Prevent Autoimmune Reactions

Type III Interferon Increases the Capacity of Thymic Cells to Ensure CD8+ T-Cell Tolerance

How Gamma Interferon Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes

JAK Inhibitors – A Novel Approach to Diabetes Treatment

Coenzyme Q10: Clinical Applications in Cardiovascular Diseases

Coenzyme Q10 Alleviates Side Effects of Statins

Statins Increase the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Does the Benefit Outweigh the Potential Risks?

Why B Vitamins Are Essential for Brain Health

Functions, Dosage, and Effectiveness

Interferons and Erythropoiesis: How the Body Prevents Anemia During Pregnancy

The Role of Retrotransposons in Maintaining Red Blood Cell Levels