Interferons

Key points

• IFN-alpha (leucocytes): antiviral — hepatitis B & C, Kaposi's sarcoma, metastatic renal cell cancer, hairy cell leukaemia; side effects flu-like symptoms, depression.
• IFN-beta (fibroblasts): reduces exacerbation frequency in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
• IFN-gamma (T lymphocytes & NK cells): immunomodulation/macrophage activation — chronic granulomatous disease, osteopetrosis.
• IFN-alpha and beta bind type 1 receptors; IFN-gamma binds type 2.