What is an interferon? Interferons are important messengers of the natural immune system and prevent the spread of viral infections. Genetically engineered interferons have played a critical role in the treatment of hepatitis C and multiple sclerosis for several years. Interferons are endogenous proteins that belong to the group of cytokines. They play an important role in the body’s natural immune defenses and limit the spread of viral infections.
Effect of interferon
A cell that is attacked by a virus releases interferon. The released interferon stimulates the body’s natural immune response and prevents further spread of the virus. Interferons can be divided into subtypes, which differ in their chemical structure and are produced by different cell types. The most prominent representatives are: Alpha-interferon (α-IFN), beta-interferon (β-IFN) and gamma-interferon (γ-IFN). With the help of genetic engineering processes, interferons can now be artificially produced and used for the treatment of certain diseases. While alpha interferon is used in the treatment of hepatitis C and some tumor diseases, beta interferon is an important component in the therapy of multiple sclerosis (MS). Because interferons stimulate the body’s immune response, interferon therapy is usually accompanied by severe side effects.
Alpha interferon and hepatitis C
Alpha interferon is commonly used to treat acute and chronic hepatitis C. Infection with the hepatitis C virus causes severe inflammation of the liver. In many cases (circa 50-80 percent), acute hepatitis C infection is chronic and can lead to significant liver damage in the long term. In therapy with alpha-interferon, the patient is given an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) at regular intervals – usually weekly. In addition, the patient must take ribavirin, which also has an antiviral effect. Interferon treatment for hepatitis C lasts between 24 and 48 weeks. To ensure optimal therapeutic success, patients should completely abstain from alcohol during therapy. Alpha interferon is also used to treat some cancers. The best successes to date have been achieved in renal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma (black skin cancer).
Beta interferon and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Beta interferon is most commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common neurologic diseases of young adulthood. According to the German Multiple Sclerosis Society (DMSG), more than 250,000 people in Germany currently have MS. Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in which an important protective layer of the nerve fibers, the so-called myelin sheaths, gradually degenerates. As a result, communication between nerve cells is disrupted, leading to various neurological deficits that usually occur in episodes. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis are very different and depend on which area of the nervous system is affected. For example, visual disturbances, tingling sensations or dizziness may occur. Since the disease is one of the autoimmune diseases, betra-interferon can be used very well for therapy here to reduce the number and severity of relapses.
MS: gamma interferon crucial?
In multiple sclerosis, the immune system mistakenly fights the body’s own cells. Gamma interferon is thought to play a crucial role in triggering MS relapses. Beta interferon, on the other hand, is used to treat multiple sclerosis. It blocks the relapse-triggering effect of gamma interferon and dampens the inflammatory reactions in the CNS. The therapy of MS with beta interferon is carried out by regular injections (several times a week). Beta interferon has been shown to reduce relapse frequency and severity in several studies.
Side effects of therapy with interferon
The most common side effect of interferon therapy is flu-like symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and fatigue. In addition, interferon can have significant psychological side effects, such as depression, aggressiveness, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and impulsivity.For both alpha-interferon and beta-interferon, the side effects described are very similar and are common reasons for discontinuation of interferon therapy.