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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes
10:00

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: rationale for clinical trials in neoplastic disease

E C Borden

    Annals of Internal Medicine
    |September 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    Interferons (IFNs), glycoproteins synthesized by cells, show therapeutic promise for viral infections and cancer. Research indicates IFNs can alter cell functions and boost immune responses, supporting their potential as antitumor agents.

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Immunology
    • Oncology

    Background:

    • Interferons (IFNs) are cell glycoproteins produced during viral infections and in response to other stimuli.
    • IFNs have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy against viral infections in both experimental and human studies.
    • Emerging evidence suggests IFNs possess significant potential as antitumor agents.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the experimental and clinical evidence supporting the use of interferons in neoplastic diseases.
    • To explore the mechanisms by which interferons exert their effects on cellular functions and immunity relevant to cancer.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of existing experimental data on interferon efficacy in animal tumor models.
    • Analysis of clinical trial results investigating human interferons in cancer patients.
    • Examination of documented effects of interferons on cell surface structure, enzyme levels, and immune responses.

    Main Results:

    • Interferons demonstrate potent effects on cellular functions, including alterations in cell surface structure and enzyme levels.
    • IFNs augment immunologic responses crucial for tumor immunity.
    • Antiproliferative effects of interferons have been observed on both normal and neoplastic cell replication.
    • Interferons have shown effectiveness against viral and nonviral tumors in animal models.
    • Early clinical trials, though limited by interferon availability and cost, have yielded encouraging results in cancer patients.

    Conclusions:

    • Interferons exhibit multifaceted biological activities, including immunomodulatory and antiproliferative effects, making them promising candidates for cancer therapy.
    • Despite challenges with availability and cost, clinical findings support the rationale for further investigation and application of interferons in treating neoplastic diseases.

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