The role of interferon gamma in regulation of CD4+ T-cells and its clinical implications

Authors

Jiezhong Chen, University of WollongongFollow
Xiaosong LiuFollow

RIS ID

25686

Publication Details

Chen, J. & Liu, X. (2009). The role of interferon gamma in regulation of CD4+ T-cells and its clinical implications. Cellular Immunology, 254 (2), 85-90.

Abstract

Interferon ¿ (IFN¿) plays a central role in the immune response against infection and tumur immune surveillance. Its functions include not only activation of the host immune system to control microbial infections but also repression of autoimmune responses by turning on T-regulatory cells and increasing T effector cell apoptosis. Defects in IFN¿ and IFN¿ receptor genes have been associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. However, treatment of autoimmune diseases by supplementing with IFN¿ has been satisfactory due to its broad biological effects. Instead, its target T-regulatory cells may be used for the clinical treatment of autoimmune diseases. Future study could also focus on promotion of the beneficial effects of IFN¿ and blocking those unwanted IFN¿-induced activities.