Human IFNg

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma ), also known as type II or immune interferon, exerts a wide range of immunoregulatory activities and is considered to be the prototype proinflammatory cytokine. Mature human IFN-gamma exists as a non-covalently linked homodimer of 20-25 kDa variably glycosylated subunits. IFN-gamma dimers bind to IFN-gamma RI ( alpha subunits) which then interact with IFN-gamma RII ( beta subunits) to form the functional receptor complex of two alpha and two beta subunits. IFN-gamma is produced by a variety of immune cells under inflammatory conditions, notably by T cells and NK cells. It plays a key role in host defense by promoting the development and activation of Th1 cells, chemoattraction and activation of monocytes and macrophages, up regulation of antigen presentation molecules, and immunoglobulin class switching in B cells. It also exhibits antiviral, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects (1-5).