The Mesothelioma SOS Glossary - Interferon

Interferons are organic proteins produced by the immune system in response to threats such as viruses, bacteria and cancer. Interferons are a crucial part of the larger class of glycoproteins known as cytokines. The production of interferons is induced to the invasion of not only bacteria and viruses and their proteins, but also mitogens and cytokines, such as interleukin 1, 2 and 12, and also tumor necrosis factor. These cytokines are synthesized in response to the various antigens in the body. Interferons are mainly active in the kidneys and liver, and there are many different types of interferons, such as interferon-alpha and interferon-beta. Interferon-alpha and -beta are produced by T-cells and B-cells, and are active against tumors. Additionally, interferon-gamma is involved in the regulation of the inflammatory and immune responses and works to assist interferon-alpha and -beta in the treatment of cancer.