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Updated: May 27, 2026

High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes
Published on: March 24, 2015
Interferons as therapeutic agents for infectious diseases
Scott J Bergman1, McKenzie C Ferguson, Cathy Santanello
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) School of Pharmacy, Edwardsville, IL 62026, USA. scbergm@siue.edu
Interferons are developed as therapeutic agents for viral infections, showing best results for hepatitis B and C. Their use for other viral infections and as vaccine adjuvants is still under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Interferons are cytokines with antiviral properties.
- Development of interferons as therapeutic agents has been explored for various viral infections.
- Exogenous interferons function as biological response modifiers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the rationale behind developing interferons as therapeutic agents.
- To review available commercial interferon products.
- To summarize studies on interferon efficacy in viral infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on interferon therapy for viral infections.
- Analysis of clinical study outcomes for different viral diseases.
- Assessment of interferons as vaccine adjuvants.
Main Results:
- Interferon therapy demonstrates significant efficacy for viral hepatitis B and C.
- Favorable responses observed for human papillomavirus and common cold viruses, but outcomes are suboptimal.
- Interferons show potential as vaccine adjuvants, though research is ongoing.
Conclusions:
- Interferons are a cornerstone therapy for viral hepatitis B and C.
- Current interferon treatments for other viral infections have limitations.
- Further research is needed to fully explore the potential of interferons in virology and vaccinology.
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