The role of interferon γ in regulation of CD4+ T-cells and its clinical implications

Interferon gamma (IFN gamma) plays a central role in the immune response against infection and tumur immune surveillance. Its functions include not only activation of the host immune system to control microbial infections but also repression of autoimmune responses by turning on T-regulatory cells and increasing T effector cell apoptosis. Defects in IFN gamma and IFN gamma receptor genes have been associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. However, treatment of autoimmune diseases by supplementing with IFN gamma has been satisfactory due to its broad biological effects. Instead, its target T-regulatory cells may be used for the clinical treatment of autoimmune diseases. Future study could also focus on promotion of the beneficial effects of IFN gamma and blocking those unwanted IFN gamma-induced activities. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.