What does the interferon-gamma do?

What does the interferon-gamma do?

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is a cytokine critical to both innate and adaptive immunity, and functions as the primary activator of macrophages, in addition to stimulating natural killer cells and neutrophils.

Which cells are activated by interferon-gamma?

IFN‐γ is primarily secreted by activated T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, and can promote macrophage activation, mediate antiviral and antibacterial immunity, enhance antigen presentation, orchestrate activation of the innate immune system, coordinate lymphocyte–endothelium interaction, regulate Th1/Th2 balance.

Where are IFN-gamma receptors found?

It signals through the IFN-γ receptor (IFNGR). IFN-γ production is largely restricted to cells of the immune system; however, the IFNGR is found on most cells. Therefore IFN-γ is produced by specialized cells, but can bind nearly all cell types to elicit a response.

Does IFN-gamma activate B cells?

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) exerts a broad spectrum of activities which affect the responses of mature B-cells. It strongly inhibits B-cell activation, acts as a B-cell growth factor (BCGF), and also induces final differentiation to immunoglobulin (Ig) production.

How do interferons activate white blood cells?

Interferon is secreted by cells in response to stimulation by a virus or other foreign substance, but it does not directly inhibit the virus’s multiplication. Rather, it stimulates the infected cells and those nearby to produce proteins that prevent the virus from replicating within them.

How does interferon-gamma activate macrophages?

The priming effect of IFN-γ can promote macrophages to secrete higher level of proinflammatory cytokines but lower level of the anti-inflammatory cytokines, enhancing microbicidal and tumoricidal activity of macrophages.

Which cells secrete interferons?

Type I interferon (IFN-alpha and IFN-beta) is secreted by virus-infected cells while type II, immune or gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) is mainly secreted by T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages.

Do T cells produce IFN-gamma?

The pleiotropic cytokine IFN-γ is produced primarily by activated T cells and NK cells. The cellular effects of IFN-γ are mediated by its heterodimeric cell surface receptor IFN-γR. The IFN-γR is comprised of α- and β-chains, both of which belong to the class II family of cytokine receptors (1, 2).

Which receptors do interferons bind to?

All type I interferons (IFNs) bind a common receptor at the surface of human cells, which is known as the type I IFN receptor. The type I IFN receptor is composed of two subunits, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2, which are associated with the Janus activated kinases (JAKs) tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) and JAK1, respectively.

How do interferons work within the immune system?

Interferons are proteins that are part of your natural defenses. They tell your immune system that germs or cancer cells are in your body. And they trigger killer immune cells to fight those invaders. Interferons got their name because they “interfere” with viruses and keep them from multiplying.

Do macrophages make interferon gamma?

In addition, naturally activated alveolar macrophages immediately secreted IFN-gamma upon treatment with IL-12 and IL-18. Therefore, human macrophages in addition to lymphoid cells contribute to the IFN-gamma response, providing another link between the innate and acquired immune responses.