YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM: INTERFERON
Lymphocytes (T- and B-cells) also make substances called lympho-kines. Interferon is one of the lymphokines. When a cell is attacked by a virus, for example, the cell releases interferon. Interferon interacts with other, uninfected cells, stimulating them to make an antiviral protein that protects the second cell from the virus. Interferon can travel through the blood, casting its protective net over different parts of the body. Interferon prompted by one type of virus can protect cells against other viruses, as well as the original one. What’s more, interferons also help regulate other immune cells, for example, by increasing the production of fighting T-cells.
One type of interferon has been tested and used on a number of patients with CMV cytomegalic virus infections and hepatitis, and with AIDS patients who have Kaposi’s sarcoma.
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March 10, 2010
Your Immune System- Interferon
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