The Type I Interferon System With Emphasis on Its Role in Malignancies

摘要: Interferon-α2 (IFN-α2) has been tested extensively in human clinical trials and proven to confer a survival benefit patients with melanoma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), hemangioma various other malignancies. To date, the precise molecular determinants that differentiate responders from nonresponders have not defined. A majority of current knowledge about IFN-α2 derived its role as an endogenously-produced antiviral compound. Importantly, new information on activity exogenously administered IFN-α is beginning emerge result widespread use for tumor immunotherapy. This chapter will focus biology effects downstream signaling events within host immune effectors. We highlight both endogenous exogenous IFNα2, because each might provide insight into mechanism action IFNα immunotherapeutic agent. Continued research basic IFN system could potentially lead greater understanding antitumor while reducing toxic side effects.