Interferon
Interferons belong to a large group of proteins known as cytokines. Cytokines are molecules used for
communication between cells, especially in the context of immune and inflammatory responses.
1. Functions of Interferons:
- Antiviral: Interfere with the replication of viruses within infected cells.
- Regulation of Immune Response: Stimulate and coordinate the activity of immune cells such as
natural killer (NK) cells and T cells.
- Antitumor: Inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
2. Types of Interferons: There are three types of interferons: I, II, and III. These types are composed of:"
- Interferon Alpha (IFN-α): Mainly produced by T lymphocytes, macrophages, and endothelial cells.
- Interferon Beta (IFN-β): Produced by somatic cells infected with viruses and T lymphocytes.
- Interferon Gamma (IFN-γ): Produced by T cells and natural killer (NK) cells.
- Interferon lambda (IFN-λ) is produced by intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and possibly immune cells in the
intestine.
3. Classification of Cytokines: - Cytokines include several types of proteins such as :
1- Interleukins (ILs)
2- Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs)
3- GFrowth factors (GFs)
4- Tumor necrosis factors (TNFs)
5- Interferons (IFNs)
Interferons are part of the cytokine group that plays a crucial role in regulating the immune response and cellular
communication to combat infections and various diseases.
Types of interferon
• 1. Type I Interferons:
Almost all cells in the body can produce IFNα/β, and this usually occurs
in response to the stimulation of receptors known as pattern recognition receptors
(PRRs) by microbial products:
A) Interferon-alpha(IFN-α):
* It is produced by white blood cells
* Used to treat many viral diseases such as hepatitis B and C and some types of
cancer such as skin cancer.
B) Interferon-beta(IFN-β): It is mainly produced by fibroblast cells and is
mainly used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Type II Interferons:
Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ): It is produced by T cells and natural killer cells (NK
cells). It plays an important role in activating macrophages and contributing to the
immune response against viruses, bacteria, and some cancer cells.
Type III Interferons:
Interferon-lambda (IFN-λ): It has effects similar to type I interferons, but it interacts
mainly with different receptors concentrated in the epithelial cells that line mucous
tissues such as the intestines and lungs. It is used to combat viral infections that
affect these tissues
The process of interferon production
When a cell is infected with a virus, it interacts with the virus and detects its presence
inside it.
This interactionleads to the activation of a series of cellular reactions aimed at combating
the virus
and preventing its spread.
The process of interferon production typically follows these steps:
1. Virus detection: The cell detects the presence of the virus by sensing its molecules or
its effects
inside it, such as viral DNA.
2. Immune system activation: Once the virus is detected, the cell begins to activate the
immune
system and strengthen its defenses to fight the infection.
This includes releasing specific chemical signals that stimulate the production of
interferons.
3. Interferon production: The cell starts producing interferons after interacting
with the virus.
Specific genes within the cell are activated to allow the production of these proteins.
4. Interferon release: Upon production, the cell releases interferons into the
surroundings, wherethey are responded to by other body cells.
5. Interferon effects: After being received by other body cells, interferons start
activating processes within these cells that enhance their defenses against the virus
such as stimulating the production of antiviral proteins or enhancing cellular killing
processes against virus-infected cells.
In this way, the production of interferons contributes to creating an immune
environment that is unfavorable for viruses, helping to prevent infection spread and
.reduce its severity
Effect of Interferon on Viruses
• Interferons primarily affect viruses and do not affect bacteria due to the nature of viruses and the
mechanism of action of interferons:
1. Mechanism of Action of Interferons:
- Interferons are proteins produced by cells in response to viral infections. When a virus is detected
within a cell, the infected cell secretes interferons, which stimulate neighboring cells to enhance their
defenses against viruses.
- Interferons stimulate the production of antiviral proteins within cells, which hinder the replication
and spread of the virus. They also enhance the ability of immune cells to recognize and destroy
infected cells.
2. Nature of Viruses:
- Viruses rely on the mechanisms of host cells for their replication. Therefore, when interferons
stimulate host cells to produce antiviral proteins, these proteins disrupt the replication process of the
virus within the cells.
3. Nature of Bacteria:
- Bacteria are independent living organisms that can reproduce and grow without relying on host
cells in the same way viruses do.
- Interferons do not directly affect the biological processes of bacteria, and therefore, they are not
effective against bacterial infections.
4. Different Medications:
- Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections because they target bacterial cell walls or specific
biological processes within bacteria, leading to their death or preventing their reproduction.
- Interferons, on the other hand, are used in treatments that require stimulation of the immune
system
against viruses or cancer cells.
Thus, the effectiveness of interferons against viruses lies in their ability to disrupt viral replication
mechanisms within host cells, while bacteria are not affected by this mechanism as they do not
rely on the same processes for reproduction.
Side effects of interferon
1. Fever and chills: Interferon boosts the immune response, which can lead to a rise in temperature
as a natural response to fighting infection.
2. Fatigue and weakness: Stimulating the immune system can be stressful for the body, leading to
feelings of general fatigue and weakness.
3. Muscle and joint pain: The inflammatory response triggered by interferons can cause
inflammation and pain in the muscles and joints.
4. Headache: Infections and increased immune activity can lead to headaches.
5. Digestive system disorders: These include nausea, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. These
symptoms may be a result of the effect of interferon on the central nervous system and changes
in the activity of immune cells in the intestine.
6. Mood changes: including depression and anxiety. Interferon can affect the central nervous
system and lead to mood changes
REASONS BEHIND THE SYMPTOMS
A. Activating the immune response: Interferon stimulates the immune response and increases the production
of immune proteins, causing inflammation that can lead to symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle pain.
B. Cytokine release: Interferon stimulates the release of other cytokines that can cause general inflammation
and flu-like symptoms.
C. Effects on the central nervous system: Interferon can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect the central
nervous system, leading to symptoms such as headache, depression, and fatigue.
D. Multiple effects on the body's cells: Because interferon works at a molecular level, it can affect several
types
of cells in the body, including cells of the nervous system, muscles, and digestive system, leading to a variety
of symptoms.
Supervised by
Dr. Fouad Al-Abadi
