Practical uses of the interferons in dermatology

Mechanism of Action and Emerging Role of Immune Response Modifier Therapy in Dermatologic Conditions

“…Some therapies, including interferon (IFN), are associated with adverse systemic events (i.e., influenza-like symptoms) that limit treatment to short durations or specific dermatologic conditions where the potential benefit-to-risk ratio is favorable. 3 Other topical therapies such as imiquimod 5% cream or macrolactam immunosuppressives confer a localized therapeutic effect with a low risk for systemic effects. 4,5 This article reviews the mechanism of action (MOA) of IRMs and the application of IRMs in several dermatologic diseases.…”

“…Interferon therapies include IFN-a, IFN-b, and IFN-c, which are produced by leukocytes, fibroblasts (among other cell types), and T H cells and cytotoxic cells, respectively. 3 The IFN genes have been cloned, and the recombinant form of the glycoprotein is usually used when IFN treatment is administered. Administered as an intralesional injection or intravenous bolus, IFN (e.g., IFN-a-2b, IFN-b) has been used to successfully treat patients with viral diseases, inflammatory disease, and solid tumors (see Hurd and conte 3 for review; Table II).…”

“…Administered as an intralesional injection or intravenous bolus, IFN (e.g., IFN-a-2b, IFN-b) has been used to successfully treat patients with viral diseases, inflammatory disease, and solid tumors (see Hurd and conte 3 for review; Table II). 3,32 Interferon acts through immune modulation (i.e., T-cellÀmediated events, upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1), inhibition of cell proliferation, and apoptosis. 33,34 The type I IFN superfamily includes IFN-a and IFN-b.…”

“…IFN-b is predominantly immunomodulatory, although its exact MOA is not fully understood. 3 IFN-b is known to stimulate macrophages, natural killer cells, Fc receptor function, and cell differentiation, modulate B cell activity; and lead to the expression of major histocompatability complex class I. IFN-c, designated type II, is stimulated by mitogens, antigens, and cytokines. It is a uniquely potent immune modulator that stimulates macrophage, neutrophil, and natural killer cell activity, aids in T-cell and B-cell response, and is the only IFN known to induce class II antigen and adhesion molecule expression.…”

“…It is a uniquely potent immune modulator that stimulates macrophage, neutrophil, and natural killer cell activity, aids in T-cell and B-cell response, and is the only IFN known to induce class II antigen and adhesion molecule expression. 3,35 To modulate immune function, IFNs bind to cell surface receptors (i.e., type I or type II). Type I IFNs induce the formation of the IFN-aÀstimulated gene factor, leading to the transcription of genes containing the IFN-stimulated response elements.…”