Interferon

Interferon: what is it and how does it work

Interferon is a group of proteins that are produced by the body's cells in response to invasion by viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. Its name comes from the English verb “to interfere” (to collide, contradict each other), because it helps the body fight infection, counteracting its development.

Interferon was discovered in 1957 and quickly became the object of research in the fields of immunology and medicine. Today it is used to treat various diseases such as hepatitis, cancer, influenza and other viral infections.

How does interferon work?

Interferon acts at the cell level, influencing its metabolism and genetic apparatus. When the virus enters the body, infected cells begin to secrete interferon, which then interacts with other cells, enhancing their protective functions.

Interferon has several effects on cells that help them fight infection. It helps suppress viral replication inside cells, enhances the body's immune response and stimulates apoptosis - the programmed death of infected cells.

Types of interferon

There are several types of interferon, which differ in their structure and functional properties. One of the best known types, interferon alpha, is produced by proteins that are produced in response to a viral infection. Interferon beta is produced by cells during inflammatory diseases, and interferon gamma is produced by immune cells in response to infections and tumors.

Interferon use

Interferon is widely used in medicine to treat various diseases. For example, it is used to treat hepatitis C, which is caused by the hepatitis C virus. Interferon is also used to treat melanoma and other cancers, and to treat influenza and other viral infections.

Although effective, interferon can cause side effects such as headache, muscle weakness and nausea. Therefore, it should be used only as prescribed by a doctor and under his supervision.

Finally

Interferon is an important component of the body's immune system that helps fight infection. It has different types, each of which performs its own unique function. The use of interferon in medicine can effectively treat many diseases, but its use requires caution and supervision by a doctor. Interferon continues to be the subject of research in medicine and immunology, and new methods of using it may be developed in the future to more effectively treat various diseases.

Interferon: protecting the body from viruses

Interferon, a product of mammalian and avian cells, plays an important role in protecting the body from viruses. An interferon-based drug is used for the prevention and treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections.

Indications for the use of interferon

Interferon is used for the prevention and treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections. Administration of the drug should begin when there is an immediate threat of infection and continue as long as the risk of infection remains. To prevent influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, the drug is used by spraying or instilling an aqueous solution.

Directions for use and dosage

Containers with the drug are opened immediately before use. Water is poured into the container to the level corresponding to 2 ml, and the container is gently shaken until the contents are completely dissolved. To prevent influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, 5 drops are administered into each nasal passage 2 times a day with an interval of at least 6 hours. During treatment, 5 drops are administered into each nasal passage every 1-2 hours, at least 5 times a day for 2-3 days.

Mechanism of action of interferon

Interferon is a universal protective factor of the body. It has an antiviral effect, suppressing the reproduction of viruses and promoting the natural recovery of humans and animals. Almost all known viruses turned out to be sensitive to interferon.

Interesting facts about interferon

Scientists discovered interferon in 1957 and found that an obstacle to the penetration of a so-called foreign virus into a cell is the protein substance interferon, produced by a cell affected by the invading virus. Interferon is produced by body cells in response to the penetration of various microorganisms into them.

In addition, interferon differs from antibodies in that it is a universal protective factor of the body. In medical practice, interferon-based drugs are used to prevent and treat viral diseases. Modern research is aimed at finding cheaper “raw materials” for producing interferon and new highly active inducers that stimulate the release of interferon.

Interferon is an important component in protecting the body from viral infections. Its use for the prevention and treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections can significantly reduce the risk of illness and speed up recovery.

However, like any medical drug, interferon has its side effects and contraindications. Therefore, before using it, you should consult your doctor and strictly follow the instructions for use.

Overall, interferon is an important discovery in the field of medicine and has great potential for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases. Modern research aimed at improving methods of obtaining and dosing drugs based on interferon allows us to hope for further success in the fight against viruses.

Interferon is a protein substance that is produced in response to damage to body cells. Today, more than 20 of its types are known, differing from interferon in a different structure and composition. All interferons are interconnected and together constitute a protein system of “interferons”, which includes 232 genes. This system was discovered by G.P. Rudnev in 1956 after immunological observations in influenza. He also discovered antibodies to influenza viruses, which laid the foundation for the science of virology, which deals with protecting humans from infections.

Interferon is synthesized naturally in the cells of the body during the penetration of viruses. This gives immunity. Interferon was produced artificially in the laboratory. On this path, man faced serious problems. It was not enough to obtain several “working” strains obtained by adding a small amount of interferon to the virus in order to put a series of drugs on the production line. The fact is that the concentration of interferon in the drug fluctuated sharply. It was possible to achieve stabilization of interferon by introducing fetal calf serum into the preparation. Other protein-peptide drugs and steroid hormone drugs began to be used. In the 1960s, staphylococcal gamma globulin appeared, to which the necessary substances were artificially added. This drug helped defeat cancer. The anti-influenza drugs laquindan and amantadine were obtained from it. The latter was obtained in the 1970s as a result of improved technology, but, despite all its positive qualities, it turned out to be insufficiently effective.