Interferon-γ and infectious diseases: Lessons and prospects.

TitleInterferon-γ and infectious diseases: Lessons and prospects.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2024
AuthorsCasanova J-L, MacMicking JD, Nathan CF
JournalScience
Volume384
Issue6693
Paginationeadl2016
Date Published2024 Apr 19
ISSN1095-9203
KeywordsCommunicable Diseases, Humans, Immunity, Interferon-gamma
Abstract

Infectious diseases continue to claim many lives. Prevention of morbidity and mortality from these diseases would benefit not just from new medicines and vaccines but also from a better understanding of what constitutes protective immunity. Among the major immune signals that mobilize host defense against infection is interferon-γ (IFN-γ), a protein secreted by lymphocytes. Forty years ago, IFN-γ was identified as a macrophage-activating factor, and, in recent years, there has been a resurgent interest in IFN-γ biology and its role in human defense. Here we assess the current understanding of IFN-γ, revisit its designation as an "interferon," and weigh its prospects as a therapeutic against globally pervasive microbial pathogens.

DOI10.1126/science.adl2016
Alternate JournalScience
PubMed ID38635718
Grant ListR01 AI095983 / AI / NIAID NIH HHS / United States
U19 AI162568 / AI / NIAID NIH HHS / United States
UL1 TR001866 / TR / NCATS NIH HHS / United States
R01 AI068041 / AI / NIAID NIH HHS / United States
R01 AI108834 / AI / NIAID NIH HHS / United States

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