title: Pharmacology and therapeutic potential of interferons.
abstract: Interferon (IFN) is widely recognised to be an integral part of the innate immune response to viral infection. Since its initial discovery in 1957 by Isaacs and Lindenmann, various IFN sub-types have been identified and there are now three distinct classes recognised-Type I (IFN-α and IFN-β), Type II (IFN-γ) and Type III (IFN-λ), distinguished by their differing receptors. As well as displaying profound antiviral activity in vivo, IFN has anti-proliferative, cytotoxic and anti-tumoural roles. In an attempt to harness their immunomodulatory potential, investigators and clinicians have investigated the use of IFNs for the treatment of human diseases with considerable success. For example, IFN-α preparations are now a critical component in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C infection and IFN-β therapy is now the first line treatment for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. However, IFN therapy is also associated with significant morbidity and in some patients is poorly tolerated. In this review, we explore the scientific basis for IFN therapy and outline its therapeutic scope. We describe the commonly encountered side effects and attempt to explain the less well recognised pulmonary complications including emerging evidence of life threatening and irreversible pulmonary vascular pathology. Finally, we look to the future of interferon drug treatment, examining the potential for emerging therapies.
authors.affiliation: Cardiothoracic Pharmacology, National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), Imperial College, Dovehouse Street, London SW3 6LY, UK. p.george@imperial.ac.uk
authors.forename: Peter M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Rekha
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Badiger
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Alazawi
authors.forename: Graham R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Foster
authors.forename: Jane A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006105:Granulomatous Disease, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000821:virology; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007372:Interferons / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D007372:Interferons