title: Structure and effects of interferon-gamma.
abstract: This brief overview of the structure of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and its biological activities emphasizes recent results with recombinant human and murine IFNs and compares this type II IFN with the type I IFN-alpha and IFN-beta. The amino acid sequence of human IFN-gamma is presented. Its antiviral activity and cytostatic or cytotoxic effects are described. Its effects on the immune system, including enhancement of membrane antigen expression, macrophage activation, effects on B lymphocytes, enhancement of natural killer cell activity and the interaction between IFN-gamma and interleukin 2 are discussed. The evidence for in vivo antitumour activity of IFN-gamma is reviewed and the problem of the molecular mechanisms of IFN action is examined.
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002455:Cell Division; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008262:Macrophage Activation; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D018406:Virus Physiological Phenomena
chemical_list: D007371:Interferon-gamma