Interferon Alpha

4 min readEvidence-linked topicGreen Medicine Encyclopedia

Also known as:  Alpha Interferon;  IFN-a;  IFN-Alpha;  Intron A;  Leukocyte Interferon;  Roferon

 

Description

Interferon Alpha is a type of Interferon that has sixteen subtypes.

 

Biological Functions of Endogenous Interferon Alpha

(and possible therapeutic applications for synthetic, exogenous Interferon Alpha).

 

Immune System

 Interferon Alpha interferes with the growth of tumors responsible for some forms of Cancer - Cancer patients are usually found to produce insufficient quantities of Interferon Alpha.  [1]

 Nasal sprays that contain synthetic Interferon Alpha provide some protection against the Rhinoviruses that cause the Common Cold.  [2]

 Exogenous Interferon Alpha is an approved treatment for chronic Hepatitis B [3] and Hepatitis C.  [4]

 Interferon Alpha permits Cells that have been invaded by Hepatitis B Virus or Hepatitis C Virus to be recognized and attacked by T-Lymphocytes.

 Interferon Alpha inhibits the reproduction of the Hepatitis B Virus and the Hepatitis C Virus within infected Cells.

 Interferon Alpha is an approved treatment for HIV-induced Kaposi's Sarcoma.

 Interferon Alpha activates NK Lymphocytes.  [5]

 Tuberculosis patients are usually found to produce insufficient Interferon Alpha.

 Interferon Alpha interferes with the replication of Viruses including:  [6]

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  • These Substances may Enhance the Function of Interferon Alpha
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