title: The oropharyngeal delivery of interferons: where are we and where do we need to go?
abstract: The controversial concept of oral delivery of interferon (IFN) is reviewed in relation to possible mechanisms of action. Although there is a rational basis and some positive clinical results for believing that it may work, problems remain to understand which is the most effective IFN preparation and why. Owing to a minimal cost and lack of toxicity, the oral as well as other unconventional routes of IFN delivery deserve to be evaluated because they may become useful.
authors.affiliation: Institute of General Physiology, University of Siena, Italy. fisgen@unisi.it
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bocci
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000187:drug effects*; D009960:Oropharynx / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D007372:Interferons