title: Type I conceptus interferons: maternal recognition of pregnancy signals and potential therapeutic agents.
abstract: In summary, Type I conceptus interferons of sheep, cows, and goats (perhaps all ruminants), which signal maternal recognition of pregnancy, may be useful for enhancing fertility in animal agriculture and may have a role in human and veterinary medicine as well. The Type I conceptus interferons share antiviral, anticellular, and immunosuppressive properties with Type I leukocyte interferons, but lack their cytotoxic effects, which may make them especially useful as therapeutic agents in human and veterinary medicine. The unique N-terminal structure of oTP-1 may account for its distinctive biological properties, including its antiluteolytic activity.
authors.forename: F W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Bazer
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; C020947:interferon tau