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Comment
. 2013 Apr 12;340(6129):155-6.
doi: 10.1126/science.1237568.

Immunology. An interferon paradox

Pamela M Odorizzi  1 , E John Wherry
Affiliations
Comment

Immunology. An interferon paradox

Pamela M Odorizzi et al. Science. .

Abstract

Interferons must balance antiviral actions against immunosuppressive effects during acute and chronic infections.

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Balancing dual roles
Type 1 interferons (IFN-α/β) may control viral replication and spread through two mechanisms. Antiviral responses include the expression of antiviral genes and the activation of specific immune cells. Immunomodulatory responses include the expression of immunosuppressive molecules, immune cell inhibition, and cell death. The balance of these responses may shift, with enhanced antiviral actions during acute infections and greater immunomodulatory effects during chronic infections.
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