title: Interferons.
abstract: Interferon (IFN)-alpha and -beta are produced by virus-infected cells; IFN-gamma is produced as a primary response of T lymphocytes to mitogenic stimulation, IFN-gamma gene activation being brought about by changes in Ca2+ and phosphatidyl inositol metabolism. IFNs act by binding to cell surface receptors and triggering activation of IFN-responsive genes, probably via specific base sequences located in the 5' non-coding region of such genes, resulting in changes in cell function. Important genes activated in this way are the MHC antigen genes; class I induced by all IFNs, class II by IFN-gamma only. This MHC activation may have important consequences for lymphocyte function.
authors: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, U.K.
authors: A G
authors: AG
authors: Morris
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D007372:Interferons / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice
chemical_list: D006680:HLA Antigens; D007372:Interferons