The role of interferon in viral infections

摘要: Interferon, a product of mammalian tissues, was originally described as an antiviral agent over twenty years ago. Only in the past few has evidence started to accumulate that interferon actually played role vivo natural virus infections. Initially, accumulated showing could inhibit replication many viruses vitro. The interferon, through induction second protein, vitro viral transcription or translation. Later, indirect for effect on infections obtained by (a) temporal relationship existed between appearance and progress infection (b) treatment virally infected animals with exogenous inducer often resulted less severe most recent direct involves use anti-interferon globulin. In several cases, injection globulin into wide variety severely altered course infection. These studies suggest is directly involved involvement be replication, interaction other host defenses, such immune system.