Articles tagged with Interferons
A 2-year study found that high-dose interferon beta-1b significantly reduced relapse rates and new brain lesions in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis compared to interferon beta-1a. The treatment also showed a strong association between MS and type-1 diabetes in the Sardinian population.
Scientists have identified specific cells called dendritic cells that produce massive quantities of interferon quickly after a virus appears, providing a rapid response to infections. This discovery may lead to new medical applications for interferon and shed light on the body's innate immune response.
Researchers found that abnormal alpha-interferon secretion in lupus patients leads to hyperactivation of dendritic cells, causing the immune system to attack healthy cells. This abnormal reaction can result in chronic inflammation affecting various organs, including the skin, kidneys, and joints.
Results from two independent studies show omega interferon's antiviral effect against all HCV genotypes, reducing virus to undetectable levels. The treatment also appeared to be well-tolerated by patients, with progressive anti-hepatitis C effects reported.
A new combination drug treatment has shown to be more effective in treating chronic hepatitis C than the current standard. The treatment, peginterferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin, achieved higher sustained viral response rates compared to interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin, especially in patients with genotype 1 infection.
A definitive study led by John Kirkwood at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found that high-dose interferon alfa 2b extends both overall survival and relapse-free survival in surgically treated high-risk melanoma patients. This regimen significantly outperforms a comparison vaccine, GMK, in terms of survival impact.
Researchers found that short periods of stress can enhance the immune system's response to foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. The study showed that mice with normal gamma interferon function had a more robust immune response after being stressed.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can mimic one of its molecular targets, blocking interferon's ability to kill viruses. This discovery may lead to the development of new therapies by targeting the E2 protein sequence that interferes with PKR phosphorylation.
Maxygen's DNA shuffling technique has created ultra-efficient proteins and supergenes, including a potent interferon that is 285,000 times more effective than natural versions. The company has also developed superior enzymes with potential applications in industrial processes.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a potential new target for therapeutic drugs to treat hepatitis C. The study found that a protein called NS5A can bind to and inactivate a key component of interferon response, PKR. This could lead to the development of a new treatment for the disease.