Interferons are a family of naturally-occurring proteins that are made and
secreted by cells of the immune system (for example, white blood cells, natural
killer cells, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells). Three classes of interferons
have been identified:
alpha,
beta, and
gamma.
Each class has many effects, though
their effects overlap. Commercially available interferons are human interferons
manufactured using recombinant DNA technology. The mechanism of action of interferon is complex and is not well understood. Interferons modulate the
response of the immune system to viruses, bacteria, cancer, and other foreign
substances that invade the body. Interferons do not directly kill viral or
cancerous cells; they boost the immune system response and reduce the growth of
cancer cells by regulating the action of several genes that control the
secretion of numerous cellular proteins that affect growth.
For what conditions are interferons used?
Since interferons enhance the immune system in many ways, they are used for
many diseases that involve the immune system. For example:
Interferon alfa-2b is approved for
the treatment of hairy cell leukemia, malignant
melanoma, condylomata acuminata,
AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, chronic hepatitis C, and
chronic hepatitis B.
Ribavirin combined with interferon alfa-2b, interferon alfacon-1 (Infergen),
pegylated interferon alfa-2b, or pegylated interferon alpha-2a, all are approved
for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
Interferon beta-1b (Betaseron) and
interferon beta-1a (Avonex) are approved for the treatment of
multiple
sclerosis.
Interferon alfa-n3 (Alferon-N) is approved for the treatment of
genital and perianal warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Interferon
gamma-1B (Actimmune) is approved for the treatment of chronic granulomatous
disease, and severe, malignant osteopetrosis.
Are there any differences among the different types of interferons?
Although interferons are very similar they affect the body differently.
Therefore, different interferons are used for different conditions. Interferon
alphas are used for treating cancers and viral infections; interferon betas are
used for treating multiple sclerosis; and interferon gamma is used for treating
chronic granulomatous disease.
What are the side effects of interferons?
Flu-like symptoms following each injection (fever, chills, headache, muscle
aches and pains, malaise) occur with all of the interferons. These symptoms vary
from mild to severe and occur in up to half of all patients. The symptoms tend
to diminish with repeated injections and may be managed with analgesics such as
acetaminophen (Tylenol) and antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
Leukemia is a type of cancer of the blood cells in which the growth and development of the blood cells are abnormal. Strictly speaking, leukemia should refer only to cancer of the white blood cells (the leukocytes) but in practice it can apply to malignancy of any cellular element in the blood or bone marrow, as in red cell leukemia (erythroleukemia).
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV is a type of virus called a retrovirus, which infects humans when it comes in contact with a break in the skin or tissues such as those that line the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes.
Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver due to the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is usually spread by
blood transfusion, hemodialysis, and needle sticks, especially with intravenous
drug abuse. Chronic hepatitis C may be treated with interferon, usually in combination with anti-virals.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease which progressively injures the nerves of the brain and spinal cord, reflected by alterations of virtually every sensory or motor function in the body. The cause of MS is primarily unknown. There are different types of MS including relapsing-remitting MS, primary-progressive MS, and secondary-progressive MS. Symptoms of MS rang from mild to severe and examples include visual disturbances, muscle weakness, spasm, and fatigue. Decreased concentration, memory loss, and impaired judgment. Treatment for MS is generally with medications.
There are several types of kidney cancer, including renal cell cancer (renal adenocarcinoma or hypernephroma), transitional cell carcinoma, and Wilms tumor. Symptoms of kidney cancer include blood in the urine, an abdominal lump or mass, chronic pain in the side, and tiredness. Treatment of kidney cancer--which may include surgery, arterial embolization, radiation therapy, biological therapy or chemotherapy--depends upon the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which begins in skin cells called melanocytes and affects more than 53,600 people in the United States each year. These melanocytes can grow together to form benign moles which, after a change in size, shape, or color can be a sign of melanoma. Caused by sun exposure, early detection becomes extremely important to avoid a spread to other areas of the body. Diagnosis is confirmed through a biopsy of the abnormal skin and treatment depends on the extent and characteristics of the patient.
The hepatitis B virus is a unique, coated DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family of viruses. The course of the virus is determined primarily by the age at which the infection is acquired and the interaction between the virus and the body's immune system. Successful treatment is associated with a reduction in liver injury and fibrosis (scarring), a decreased likelihood of developing cirrhosis and its complications, including liver cancer, and a prolonged survival.
A keloid is a scar that doesn't know when to stop. When the cells keep on reproducing, the result is an overgrown (hypertrophic) scar or a keloid. A keloid looks shiny and is often dome-shaped, ranging in color from slightly pink to red. It feels hard and thick and is always raised above the surrounding skin.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. HPV is primarily transmitted by sexual contact. While some people develop warts in the genital region after infection, others experience no symptoms. Though genital warts can be removed, there is no cure for HPV infection. There is a vaccine to prevent infection from four common HPV types.
Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring throughout the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by many conditions including chronic inflammatory processes, infections, environmental agents, exposure to ionizing radiation, chronic conditions, and certain medications. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and diminished exercise tolerance. Treatment options are dependent on the type of pulmonary fibrosis; lung transplant and/or medications are optons.
Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, the structure that connects the eye to the brain. The precise cause of optic neuritis is unknown, but it is thought to be a type of autoimmune disorder. Optic neuritis most commonly develops due to an autoimmune disorder that may be triggered by a viral infection.
A carcinoid tumor is a tumor that develops from enterochromaffin cells. The important characteristic of carcinoid tumors that sets them apart from other gastrointestinal tract tumors, is their potential to cause the carcinoid syndrome. Local symptoms may include abdominal pain, intestinal bleeding, and intestinal obstruction. However, often symptoms of the carcinoid syndrome can be more devastating than the local symptoms. There are many options for the treatment of carcinoid tumors and carcinoid syndrome.
AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection. Symptoms and signs of AIDS include pneumonia due to Pneumocystis jiroveci, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, seizures, weakness, meningitis, yeast infection of the esophagus, and Kaposi's sarcoma. Anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) is used in the treatment of AIDS.
Peyronie's disease is a condition characterized by a hard lump, or plaque, that forms within the penis. Symptoms of Peyronie's disease range from mild to severe. Treatment for Peyronie's disease includes medication, and often surgery.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the nerves of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) degenerate. Myelin, which provides a covering or insulation for nerves, improves the conduction of impulses along the nerves and also is important for maintaining the health of the nerves. In
multiple sclerosis, inflammation causes the myelin to disappear. Consequently, the electrical impulses that travel along the nerves decelerate, that is, become slower. In addition, the nerves themselves are damaged. As more and more nerves are affected, a
person experiences a progressive interference with functions that are controlled by the nervous system such as vision, speech, walking, writing, and memory.
About 350,000 people in the U.S. have multiple sclerosis. Usually, a person is diagnosed with
multiple sclerosis between 20 and 50 years of age, but multiple sclerosis has been diagnosed in children and in the elderly.
Multiple...
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