Are there pathological defects of interferon secretion in man?

Interferon is now recognized as an important biological mediator with both antiviral and non-antiviral (including immunoregulatory) functions. In some patients with repeated and severe infections, leucocytes appear to be unable to produce normal levels of interferon after stimulation with soluble antigens or allogeneic lymphoblastoid cells. This defect contrasts with normal immune functions, with the exception of "natural killer" non-specific cytotoxic activity which is usually impaired. This selective defect of interferon secretion may result in a special type of immuno-deficiency with multiple biological consequences, some of which can be reversed by interferon therapy.