Biologic responses to IFN-alpha administration in humans. |
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| Authors: | E P Corssmit J de Metz H P Sauerwein J A Romijn |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Endocrinology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1100 DE Amsterdam, The Netherlands. e.p.corssmit@amc.uva.nl |
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| Abstract: | Although interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) was discovered over 40 years ago, it was many years before it was registered as a therapeutic agent. Because of its unique qualities, it has been registered for both antiviral and antitumor indications. In addition to its therapeutic effects in viral diseases and cancer, IFN-alpha interferes with several important physiologic systems. It interacts with the immune system and affects several neuroendocrine and metabolic circuits. The specific mechanisms by which IFN-alpha exerts its therapeutic effects are complex, and it is very difficult to tie the biologic actions of IFN-alpha to specific clinical effects. |
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