title: Interferon as therapeutic agent.
abstract: The article summarizes the present status of interferon (IFN) research from therapeutical point of view. This includes its understanding as an antiviral agent and a cell regulator of hormonal- and/or cytokine-type. The IFN seems to represent a part of a balanced multisystem of unsharp contoures. In addition to the analysis of published therapeutical trials, the conclusion is made that without a deeper insight in the functioning of this system, it is difficult to create a rational base for IFN therapy of viral, oncological and/or autoimmune diseases of man.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007369:Interferon Inducers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007372:Interferons / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D007369:Interferon Inducers; D007372:Interferons