Interferon-β

Definition

Interferon-β is a type of protein produced by the body's cells in response to the presence of viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens. It is a key player in the body's immune system, helping to protect cells from viral infections and regulate various immune responses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interferon-β is a type I interferon, which means it is produced by most cell types in the body, unlike type II interferons, which are produced primarily by T cells and natural killer cells.
2. Interferon-β is approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, as it can help reduce the frequency and severity of relapses and slow the progression of the disease.
3. Interferon-β is a biologic drug, which means it is a large, complex molecule produced by living cells rather than being chemically synthesized.
4. Interferon-β is considered an immunosuppressant because it can help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, which is a key component of many autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
5. Biosimilar drugs, which are highly similar to existing biologic drugs like interferon-β, have been developed to increase access and affordability of these important treatments.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of interferon-β in the body's immune response to pathogens.
  • Interferon-β is a key player in the body's innate immune response to viral, bacterial, and other pathogenic infections. When a cell detects the presence of a pathogen, it releases interferon-β, which then signals to nearby cells to increase their production of antiviral proteins and other immune-related molecules. This helps to limit the spread of the infection and coordinate the body's overall immune response.
• Describe how interferon-β is used as a therapeutic agent, particularly in the context of autoimmune disorders and biologics.
  • Interferon-β is approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder, because of its ability to regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. As a biologic drug, interferon-β is a large, complex molecule produced by living cells, rather than being chemically synthesized. The development of biosimilar drugs, which are highly similar to interferon-β, has helped increase access and affordability of this important therapeutic agent for patients with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
• Analyze the role of interferon-β in the broader context of immunosuppressants, monoclonal antibodies, and the development of novel biologic treatments.
  • Interferon-β is considered an immunosuppressant because it can help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, which is a key component of many autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. As a biologic drug, interferon-β is part of a larger class of therapeutic agents known as monoclonal antibodies and other biologics, which are derived from living organisms and used to treat a variety of medical conditions. The development of biosimilar drugs, which are highly similar to existing biologics like interferon-β, has the potential to increase access and affordability of these important treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of immunotherapy.

Related terms

Interferons: A group of signaling proteins released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites, that help coordinate the body's immune response.

Cytokines: Small proteins secreted by various cells, including immune cells, that act as signaling molecules to coordinate the body's immune and inflammatory responses.

Biologics: A class of drugs derived from living organisms, such as proteins, antibodies, or cells, that are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders and cancer.