Interferon gamma is one of three kinds of interferon that occur naturally in the human body. These interferons bind to specific cell surface receptors and initiate a sequence of events that leads to the transcription of interferon-stimulated genes.¹ While they have partially overlapping biologic activities like immunoregulation and inhibition of cell proliferation, each interferon has distinct functional and biochemical properties. Interferon alpha and interferon beta, which bind to the alpha/beta cell surface receptor, are classified as Type I interferons. Interferon gamma binds to a different cell surface receptor and is classified as a Type II interferon.

This difference in receptor binding affinity confers important biochemical properties that further distinguish interferon gamma from the Type I interferons. The most striking distinction is the effect of interferon gamma on immune system surveillance and regulation. Unlike the Type I interferons, interferon gamma has potent effects on leukocyte trafficking, pathogen recognition, antigen presentation, T-cell activation, and induction of microbial killing mechanisms in phagocytes.²

ACTIMMUNE® (Interferon gamma-1b) is a single-chain polypeptide containing 140 amino acids. Production of ACTIMMUNE^® is achieved by fermentation of a genetically engineered Escherichia coli bacterium containing DNA that encodes for the human interferon gamma protein.

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The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of patients.

For U.S. resident use only. The product discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries. Please see the full U.S. Prescribing Information (pdf file).

References
1. ACTIMMUNE^® [package insert]. Brisbane, Calif: InterMune, Inc.; 2007.
2. Schroder K. Interferon-gamma: an overview of signals, mechanisms and functions. J Leukoc Biol. 2004 Feb;75(2):163-89.