VMC 211: General Veterinary Microbiology (1+1)

MODE OF INTERFERON ACTION

• The antiviral activities of interferon are
• Activation of genes that encode double stranded RNA dependent protein kinase R and RNase L.
• Stimulation of MHC I production and proteosome proteins. These enhance the presentation of viral peptides on infected cell surface to T cells.
• Activation of NK cells.
• Induction of apoptosis.
• Another type of interferon called gamma interferon is produced mainly by T cells and NK cells when trigerred by certain molecules released during immune responses(eg:IL-2).
• It has number of effects including stimulation of antigen presentation and activation of phagocytes and NK cells.