Projektnummer

N000726

Zusammenfassung

Type I interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced and secreted in all higher vertebrates as a result of viral and bacterial attacks. Secreted IFNs bind cell surface receptors initiating a cascade of signals that activate cellular protection machineries against pathogens. In addition, specific immune cells are activated to establish long-term defense of the organism. These properties have been success-fully exploited for IFNs to serve as a drug for a variety of complex diseases including viral infec-tions, cancer and multiple sclerosis. Despite the proven success of IFN therapies, their u...