[Interferons in neurology]

Interferon (INF) plays an important role in the immune response against viral infections. INF is part of the big cytokines family. It has also shown modulating activity on numerous components of the immune system; it inhibits cellular division, thus counteracting proliferation of cancerogenic cells. It has also the ability to reduce complications in multiple sclerosis by immunologic mechanism involving. Th2 responses. Recently, the utility of INF in neurological cases has been explored. Good results have been observed using recombinant INF beta-1a and glucosylated INF beta-1 in patients with active multiple sclerosis relapsing-remitting type (MS RR), in whom decreases the incidence and complications and possibly halts the progression of the disease. This manuscript will reviews the biologic activity of INF, the use, side effects and indications for using different INF's in neurological diseases specially in multiple sclerosis, particularly INF beta which are broadly accepted for clinical use in this pathology. We mention the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) to evaluate clinical involvement and recuperation after management.