Discovering Interferons

• Interferons were the first family of cytokines to be discovered in 1957.
• Humans produce at least three distinct classes of interferon: IFN-α, IFN-β and IFN-γ.
• Interferons exhibit a wide range of biological functions including regulation of immune function and growth and differentiation of many cell types.
• IFN-α and IFN-β are often collectively referred to as type I interferons, while IFN-γ is referred to as type II interferon.
• Type I interferons have antiviral and anti-proliferative effects, while type II interferon promotes activation, growth and differentiation of immune and inflammatory responses.
• Interferon biotechnology was initially impractical due to low levels produced by the body and species preference.
• Large-scale production of interferon became possible in the late 1970s through mammalian cell culture.
• Recombinant DNA technology facilitated the production of large quantities of pure interferon containing only a single subtype.
• Most interferons currently in medical use are recombinant human products produced by E. coli.
• E. coli-derived unglycosolated IFN-γ displays a biological activity similar to the native human protein.

Test your knowledge on interferons, the first family of cytokines discovered in 1957 with a wide range of biological functions including antiviral and anti-proliferative effects. Learn about the different types of interferons produced by humans and their role in regulating immune function and growth of cell types. Explore the history of interferon biotechnology and how it became possible to produce large quantities of pure interferon through mammalian cell culture and recombinant DNA technology. Take the quiz now to assess