title: Interferon--a candidate mediator of cell growth.
abstract: The IFNs are a class of compounds comprising at least three different entities alpha, beta, gamma, with a clearly defined capacity to enhance expression of MHC antigens, as well as modulate growth in a variety of tissues. They are thus candidates for autoimmune cellular destruction and growth modulation. IFN has now been shown to modulate important developmental and injury-related events in both the pancreas and CNS. Other cytokines may also be important players in these biological events and it remains to be elucidated how IFN and other cytokines exert their effects in these organs.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000166:cytology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology; D007372:Interferons / Q000502:physiology*; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D006133:Growth Substances; D007372:Interferons