title: Interferons: the pathways of discovery. II. Immunomodulatory, in vivo and applied aspects.
abstract: This article analyzes the conceptual and technological context in which, over a period of 50 years, exploration of the biological and clinical significance of type I interferon has evolved. The elaboration of techniques for production and purification of mouse and human interferons and the establishment of laboratory-size production units have been of crucial importance in this process. Animal experiments have been invaluable for elucidation of mechanisms underlying the in vivo antiviral, anti-tumour and immunomodulatory potential of interferon, but have been of limited help to define the areas of clinical applicability. Proof of principle for applications as they are established today has come from clinical trials performed quite independently of evidence from animal experiments.
authors.affiliation: Rega Institute, University of Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. Alfons.Billiau@Rega.Kuleuven.be
authors.forename: Alfons
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Billiau
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000266:history* / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000266:history* / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051379:Mice; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007370:Interferon Type I