Human consensus interferons: Bridging the natural and artificial cytokines with intrinsic disorder

In response to the presence of various pathogens, ranging from viruses and bacteria, to parasites and tumor cells, and their products the host cells produce and release a group of signaling proteins, interferons (IFNs) [1]. The IFN release by the infected cells produces a unique signal to the neighboring cells to tighten their defense mechanisms. Therefore, IFNs are considered as cytokines, since they are used for the inter-cell communication aiming at triggering of the protective mechanisms used by the immune system to eradicate pathogens [2].
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Source Type: research