Biologic responses to IFN-alpha administration in humans.
Although interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) was discovered over 40 years ago, it was many years before it was registered as a therapeutic agent. Because of its unique qualities, it has been registered for both antiviral and antitumor indications. In addition to its therapeutic effects in viral diseases and cancer, IFN-alpha interferes with several important physiologic systems. It interacts with the immune system and affects several neuroendocrine and metabolic circuits. The specific mechanisms by which IFN-alpha exerts its therapeutic effects are complex, and it is very difficult to tie the biologic actions of IFN-alpha to specific clinical effects.
Corssmit
E P
EP
Department of Endocrinology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1100 DE Amsterdam, The Netherlands. e.p.corssmit@amc.uva.nl
de Metz
J
J
Sauerwein
H P
HP
Romijn
J A
JA
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects; D005342:Fibrinolysis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects*; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000187:drug effects*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha