Description
Interferon-gamma (IFN-g) is a lymphoid factor which possesses potent anti-viral activity. It has also been shown to stimulate macrophages and NK cells. Human IFN-g is a 16.7kD protein. Interferon gamma is the only known type II interferon. Under physiological conditions, interferon gamma is induced when T-lymphocytes, previously sensitized to an antigen, are exposed to the same antigen, hence its other name: immune interferon. IFNg is produced by lymphocytes expressing the surface antigens CD4 and CD8. The synthesis of IFN-gamma is induced, among other things, by Interleukin-2, FGF-basic and EGF. Interferon gamma has demonstrated significant anti-proliferative effects in in vivo studies; however, its therapeutic effects have been limited. Endogenous IFN-g has been shown to be required for the protection of mice against mycobacteri and leishmaniasis. In the U.S., human IFN-g has been approved for reducing the frequency and severity of infections in patients with chronic granulomatous disease.
Recombinant Human Interferon gamma produced in E. coli is a single, non-glycosylated, polypeptide chain containing 144 amino acids and having a molecular mass of 16.879kD