Description
IFNgamma is the major interferon produced by mitogenically or antigenically stimulated lymphocytes. It is structurally different from type I interferon and its major activity is immunoregulation. It has been implicated in the expression of class II histocompatibility antigens in cells that do not normally produce them; leading to autoimmune disease. Interferon gamma is produced mainly byT-cells and natural killer cells activated by antigens; mitogens; or alloantigens. It is produced by lymphocytes expressing the surface antigens CD4 and CD8. IFNgamma synthesis is induced by IL-2; FGF-basic; and EGF