Interferons A Primer

Interferons: A Primer covers general information on interferon, including analysis, purification, production, properties, mechanism of action, and clinical uses. Organized into 10 chapters, the book starts with a short history of interferon's discovery by Isaacs and Lindenmann, followed by topics on assays for interferon, such as factors affecting interferon assays and rapid biological assay. Chapters 3 to 6 discuss the purification, properties, production, antiviral action, and other functions of interferon. Chapters 7 and 8 examine the recovery from viral infection and clinical uses of interferon, with emphasis on treatment of human cancer. The concluding chapters focus on the application of interferon studies on two revolutionizing fields of biology, namely, the cloning of animal genes in microorganisms and the production of monoclonal antibodies. This book is intended for students, scientists, physicians, or educated laypersons who wish to know something about interferons, but do not plan carrying out research in this area.

Preface1 Introduction Bibliography2 Assays for Interferon Factors Affecting Interferon Assays Specific Assays for Interferons and Interferon Standards Details of a Rapid Biological Assay for Interferons Bibliography3 Purification and Properties of Interferons Purification of Mouse and Human Interferons Properties of Interferons Bibliography4 Production of Interferons Interferon Inducers Mechanisms of Interferon Production Bibliography5 Mechanisms of Antiviral Action The Structure of Viruses Virus Replication Virus Effects on Cells The Antiviral State Virus Replication in Interferon-Treated Cells Restrictions of Interferon Action Bibliography6 Other Actions of Interferons Effects on the Immune System Effects on Cell Growth and Differentiation Effects on Intracellular Enzymes and Other Cell-Produced Substances Cell Surface Alteration Bibliography7 Interferons and Recovery from Viral Infections Evidence That Interferons Are Active Factors in the Recovery from Primary Virus Infections Interactions between Interferons and Other Natural Antiviral Mechanisms "Interferons Are a Good Thing, But Too Much of a Good Thing Can Be a Bad Thing" Bibliography8 Clinical Uses of Interferons Pharmacology of Interferons in Humans Interferon Preparations Available for Use in Humans Clinical Uses of Human Interferons Treatment of Human Cancer with Interferon Bibliography 9 The Future of Interferons Summary 10 The Future Is NowGlossaryIndex