New perspectives on type I IFNs in cancer

Although type I IFNs were initially described based on their anti-viral properties, it was quickly realized that these cytokines had anti-proliferative and anti-cancer activities. These observations ultimately led to the clinical development and utility of IFN-α2b for the treatment of patients with melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and chronic myelogenous leukemia, among others. However, the mechanism of action of type I IFNs in vivo was never fully elucidated, and the pleiotropic effects of IFNs on multiple cell types had made it challenging to decipher.

Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - January 7, 2015 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Thomas F. Gajewski, Leticia Corrales Source Type: research