Significance of the interferon (IFN) in the therapy

Sabina Mahmutović1, Edina Beslagić

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Interferons belong to the group of the regulatory glycoproteins, of low molecular mass. They are the products of infected cell-genome, but not virus, as a consequence of the cause answer by different inductors. Human IFN are divided on the sequence of amino-acids into three groups: Alpha, Beta and Gamma interferons. Recently are discovered new types of IFNs: Omega and Tau, but bigger than alpha molecules. Also, has been performed the division into two types: I and II. Besides the antiviral and antiproliferative effects, they have also the effect in the treatment of malignant diseases, and act protectively against the radiation.

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