gamma interferon

References

gamma interferon

biochemistry

Also known as: immune interferon

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) is a type of protein produced by the body as a defense against viruses and other pathogens. It is primarily produced by T cells and plays a crucial role in regulating and activating immune cells to combat intracellular infections.12

IFN-γ is distinct from Type I interferons (like IFN-α and IFN-β), which are involved in early antiviral responses. Instead, IFN-γ's specialized function is to enhance immune surveillance and activate cells like macrophages and cytotoxic T cells.13

Therapeutically, IFN-γ is used to treat chronic granulomatous disease, a hereditary condition where white blood cells are unable to effectively destroy bacteria and fungi.13

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immune system
Interferons
beta interferon by fibroblasts, and gamma interferon by natural killer cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (killer T cells). All interferons inhibit viral replication by interfering with the transcription of viral nucleic acid. Interferons exert additional inhibitory effects by regulating the extent to which lymphocytes and other cells express certain important…
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beta interferon by fibroblasts, and gamma interferon by natural killer cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (killer T cells). All interferons inhibit viral replication by interfering with the transcription of viral nucleic acid. Interferons exert additional inhibitory effects by regulating the extent to which lymphocytes and other cells express certain important…
Read More

therapeutics
Biological response modifiers
Interferon-γ may prove useful in treating a different set of diseases—for example, chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
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Interferon-γ may prove useful in treating a different set of diseases—for example, chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
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immune system
Cell-mediated immune mechanisms
In particular, the gamma interferon produced by helper T cells greatly increases the ability of macrophages to kill ingested microbes; this can tip the balance against microbes that otherwise resist killing. Gamma interferon also stimulates natural killer cells. The second mechanism of cell-mediated immunity involves cytotoxic T cells.…
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In particular, the gamma interferon produced by helper T cells greatly increases the ability of macrophages to kill ingested microbes; this can tip the balance against microbes that otherwise resist killing. Gamma interferon also stimulates natural killer cells. The second mechanism of cell-mediated immunity involves cytotoxic T cells.…
Read More

virus
Treatment
…fibroblasts; and γ-interferons (also called immune interferons or interleukins), produced by immune reactions in blood lymphocytes. Interferons are now known to be a subset of a large group of natural cellular substances called cytokines, which signal cells to perform specific functions. Until recently, interferons were difficult to produce commercially because…
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…fibroblasts; and γ-interferons (also called immune interferons or interleukins), produced by immune reactions in blood lymphocytes. Interferons are now known to be a subset of a large group of natural cellular substances called cytokines, which signal cells to perform specific functions. Until recently, interferons were difficult to produce commercially because…
Read More