Interferons - Hutchinson encyclopedia article about Interferons Printer Friendly
The Free Dictionary
1,083,395,031 visitors served.
?
Dictionary/
thesaurus
Medical
dictionary
Legal
dictionary
Financial
dictionary
Acronyms
 
Idioms
Encyclopedia
Wikipedia
encyclopedia
?

interferon
(redirected from Interferons)

    Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.

interferon

Naturally occurring cellular protein that makes up part of mammalian defences against viral disease. Three types (alpha, beta, and gamma) are produced by infected cells and enter the bloodstream and uninfected cells, making them immune to virus attack.

Interferon was discovered in 1957 by Scottish virologist Alick Isaacs. Interferons are cytokines, small molecules that carry signals from one cell to another. They can be divided into two main types: type I (alpha, beta, tau, and omega) interferons are more effective at bolstering cells' ability to resist infection; type II (gamma) interferon is more important to the normal functioning of the immune system. Alpha interferon may be used to treat some cancers; interferon beta 1b has been found useful in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.



How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
?Page tools
Printer friendly
Cite / link
 Email
Feedback
?Sign in SSL protected
Email:
Password:
Register

? Mentioned in ? References in periodicals archive
 
A new formulation of Rebif was designed to reduce development of the neutralizing antibodies that can blunt the punch of interferons.
Two international research meetings by Inside MS
The National Institutes of Health and Department of Defense have funded developing novel biodefense medications designed to stimulate innate mucosal immunity by using interferons (IFNs) and interferon inducers.
Biodefense shield and avian influenza by Liu, Ge / Emerging Infectious Diseases
For the first time, we have a study which provides clear information about the dose effect of interferons.
HIGHER DOSES OF INTERFERON BETA-1A GIVE NO ADDED BENEFIT by Worldwide Biotech
More results
 
Hutchinson browser? ? Full browser
 
 
Hutchinson Encyclopedia
?

Disclaimer | Privacy policy | Feedback | Copyright © 2008 Farlex, Inc.
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.. Terms of Use.