Interferon-γ(IFN-γ), Human, recombinant

Interferons (IFNs) were initially discovered as proteins released by cells infected by viruses in order to suppress viral replication. It was later found that these cytokines play an important role in triggering the biological defense by attenuating cell proliferation, combating tumors and promoting immunoregulation. IFN-γ is a type II IFN produced by T lymphocytes, NK cells, dendritic cells and macrophages. IFN receptors are found on almost all cells of the immune system. Activation of these receptors results in an increase in the expression of class I MHC molecules, which promotes antigen recognition by CD4+ helper T-cells. IFN-γ can also stimulate lymphoid functions such as antibacterial and antitumor properties in macrophages, NK cells and neutrophils.