Structure and effects of interferon-gamma

Abstract

This brief overview of the structure of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and its biological activities emphasizes recent results with recombinant human and murine IFNs and compares this type II IFN with the type I IFN-alpha and IFN-beta. The amino acid sequence of human IFN-gamma is presented. Its antiviral activity and cytostatic or cytotoxic effects are described. Its effects on the immune system, including enhancement of membrane antigen expression, macrophage activation, effects on B lymphocytes, enhancement of natural killer cell activity and the interaction between IFN-gamma and interleukin 2 are discussed. The evidence for in vivo antitumour activity of IFN-gamma is reviewed and the problem of the molecular mechanisms of IFN action is examined.