Biochem/physiol Actions
IFN-γ (interferon γ) signaling in antigen-presenting cells and antigen-recognizing B and T lymphocytes regulate the antigen-specific phases of the immune response. It can suppress the generation of anti-inflammatory cytokines and enhance the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, IFN-γ stimulates a number of lymphoid cell functions including the anti-microbial and anti-tumor responses of macrophages, NK (natural killer) cells and neutrophils. It is responsible for tumor rejection and is capable of killing tumor cells by autophagy or apoptosis. IFN-γ is also involved in Hepatitis E virus disease pathogenesis.
