Forty years of interferon.
The nature and mode of action of interferon (IFN) have been intensively studied for more than 40 years. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of IFN putting emphasize on transitions in its definition, understanding of its physiological role and nomenclature, and on brief characterization of individual IFN families. Finally, the evolution of IFN and relations between the IFN families are discussed.
Kontsek
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P
Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
Kontseková
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E
D000818:Animals; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D009626:Terminology as Topic
D007372:Interferons