IFN-γ
Full name: Interferon gamma
Aliases:1 IFG, IFI, and IMD69
Size:2 40–60 kDa
Family:1,3 Only member of the type II IFN class
Receptors:2,3 IFNGR1/IFNGR2
Major cellular sources:2 NK cells, NKT cells, macrophages, myelomonocytic cells, Th1 cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and B cells
Major cellular targets:2 Epithelial cells, macrophages, DCs, NK cells, T cells, and B cells
Disease states associated with:2 Rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, and pathogenic infections
Major physiologic functions:
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High IFN-γ levels are expressed by Th1 cells, activating macrophages for direct antimicrobial and antitumor activity.2,3
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IFN-γ regulates immunoglobulin production, class switching in B cells, NK cell activity, MHC class I and class II protein expression, and antigen presentation.2,3
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Aside from functions in host defense, IFN-γ may contribute to autoimmune pathology. IFN-γ production is controlled most notably by IL-12 and IL-18 cytokines, which serve as a bridge to link infection with IFN-γ production in innate immune response and to further increase IFN-γ production.3
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Negative regulators of IFN-γ production include IL-4, IL-10, transforming growth factor-β, and glucocorticoids.3
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IFN-γ primarily signals through the JAK-STAT pathway, and IFN-γ–induced JAK-STAT signaling is considered the global paradigm for class II cytokine receptor signal transduction.3
References:
- 1.
NCBI. Gene. IFNG interferon gamma [Homo sapiens (human)]. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/3458. Accessed March 11, 2021.
- 2.
Akdis M, Aab A, Altunbulakli C, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2016;138:984-1010.
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3.
Schroder K, Hertzog PJ, Ravasi T, Hume DA. J Leukoc Biol. 2004;75:163-189.