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Interferons are glycoproteins produced by mammalian cells. They fall into three main classes: alpha, beta, and gamma.
Interferons – properties
Interferony is a group of proteins that are produced and released by cells in the body in response to pathogens. They provide communication between the cells of the body in order to fight them. In addition, they strengthen the resistance of healthy cells to virus infection, inhibit the synthesis of viral proteins in the body, and activate NK cells and macrophages.
Some symptoms, such as muscle aches and fever, are caused the production of interferons during infection.
So far 10 genera have been identified interferons found in mammals. In humans, there are 7 of them and they are divided into 3 groups. They are all necessary to fight viral infections.
Interferony they differ in molecular weight and action:
- Interferon alpha – 14 subtypes have been identified so far, and the treatment uses recombinant preparations containing only one subtype that has no sugar side chains due to recombination.
- Interferon beta is produced by various types of cells, including fibroblasts and macrophages. It has antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulating effects. It reveals its features by connecting with human cells through a receptor on their surface.
- Gamma interferon – stimulated by noni, reduces viral reproduction in cells by inhibiting the synthesis of viral RNA and DNA. It activates the cytotoxicity of macrophages against neoplastic cells and microbial pathogens, and also acts synergistically with other factors, inducing the production of, among others. nitric oxide by macrophages. It is an active antiviral and anti-cancer substance.
Interferons – side effects
although interferony naturally occurring in the body, injecting an additional dose into the body can cause side effects such as fever, chills, joint and muscle aches. There may also be apathy and weakness. These symptoms last up to 3 hours – if they do not disappear, consult a doctor – it is possible to receive measures to alleviate these symptoms.
Interferons – application
Interferon alfa it is used in conditions such as chronic myeloid leukemia, AIDS Kaposi’s sarcoma, advanced stage kidney cancer, malignant melanoma, chronic hepatitis B and C, treatment-resistant genital warts, hairy cell leukemia, and T-cell cutaneous lymphoma.
beta interferon is used in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis in the active stage of the disease confirmed by relapses.
Interferon gamma it is used in the treatment of chronic, congenital granulomatous disease (congenital immunodeficiency).
Interferons – contraindications
Each of the types of interferons has its own contraindications and precautions, therefore, before using them, appropriate patient tests are necessary to determine whether they can be used in a given case.