Two recombinant human leukocyte interferons (A and D), five hybrid interferons containing varying portions of A and D, and one fibroblast recombinant interferon were tested over a wide range of concentrations for their ability to modulate cytolytic activity of human natural killer (NK) cells. All of the interferons tested were purified to homogeneity. Although all the interferons were active, t...

Type 1 diabetes results from apoptotic destruction of insulin-producing beta cells by a range of effector molecules produced by immune cells that infiltrate pancreatic islets. Interferons are found within the inflammatory infiltrate of islets during progression to type 1 diabetes. Interferons can promote the action of effector cells that induce beta cell death. They can also act directly on isl...

In human cells treated with interferons, there is an increase in the amount of HLA-A,B,C and beta 2-microglobulin exposed on the cell surface. We have used a cloned HLA-A,B,C cDNA probe to demonstrate by molecular hybridization that this effect of interferon is preceded by a large increase in the amount of HLA mRNA in the cell. This effect was found in five different human cell lines, with puri...

A hallmark of the antiviral response is the induction of interferons. First discovered in 1957 by Issac and Lindeman, interferons are noted for their ability to interfere with viral replication. Interferons act via autocrine and paracrine pathways to induce an antiviral state in infected cells and in neighboring cells containing interferon receptors. Interferons are the frontline defenders agai...

The combined effects of tamoxifen, a competitive inhibitor of estrogen, and type I or II interferons on the proliferation of several human breast cancer cell lines in vitro were examined. Additive antiproliferative effects were observed with interferons and tamoxifen, in two estrogen receptor positive cell lines, MCF-7 and T-47D. In MCF-7 cells neither beta ser interferon, gamma interferon, nor...

background pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin protocol is currently considered the most efficient hepatitis c treatment. however, no evidence of costs comparison among common viral genotypes has been published. objectives we aimed to assess core drivers of hepatitis c medical care costs and compare cost effectiveness of this treatment among patients infected by hepatitis c virus with geno...