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Interferons are a type of lab-made protein that can help your immune system fight certain infections and diseases. Interferon medications act in a similar way to the natural interferons your body makes. Healthcare providers sometimes use interferons to treat viral infections, certain cancers and other health conditions.
Interferons are a type of signaling protein. Your body naturally produces interferons to help your immune system fight certain infections, cancers and autoimmune diseases. They got their name because they “interfere” with viruses and other germs and prevent them from multiplying.
They can also be made manually in a lab to use as treatments for various diseases. They act in a similar way to the natural interferons your body makes. Scientists created the first lab-made interferons in 1986 as a treatment for certain kinds of cancer. Since then, different types of interferons have been created to fight other illnesses and infections.
Interferons are the frontline defenders in your body. A variety of cells, including white blood cells, produce interferons in response to infection and other stimuli, like cancer cells. They initiate signaling cascades by stimulating the infected cells and those nearby to produce cytokines.
Manufactured interferons, for example, tell your cytokines to attack the offending cells, can stop cancer cells and viruses from growing and dividing, and also help healthy cells fight infections.
There are three main types of interferons:
Interferons are broadly classified into three main types (alpha, beta and gamma) based on their cellular source and inducing agents. More recently, interferon lambda has been discovered and is under investigation.
The different types of interferons treat different diseases and conditions.
Interferon-alpha can be used to treat various conditions, including cancers and infections like:
Healthcare providers use interferon-beta to treat various kinds of multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune inflammatory illness. The medication can reduce inflammation in your spinal cord and brain to prevent nerve damage.
Providers use interferon-gamma to treat chronic granulomatous disease. This is a disease that affects your immune system. They also use it to treat severe malignant osteopetrosis, which is a disease that affects your bones.
Although interferon lambda is considered to have critical roles in viral infections, cancer and autoimmune diseases, it’s only been shown experimentally to be useful for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C viral infection. It isn’t currently approved or authorized by the FDA for any clinical use.
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Your healthcare provider will usually give you interferons as an injection into your muscle or under your skin. You may also receive it as an infusion into a vein in your arm. The treatment typically takes place in the hospital or another medical setting. Your provider may be able to teach you how to give the medication to yourself at home. They’ll teach you how to properly prepare and administer the medicine.
The types, amounts and dosages of the injections or infusions will depend on your condition. For example, for chronic hepatitis treatment, you may receive interferon-alpha subcutaneously (under your skin) three times a week for 24 weeks. For multiple sclerosis, your provider may give you interferon-beta into a muscle once a week and subcutaneously three times a week. For chronic granulomatous disease, your provider may give you interferon-gamma subcutaneously three times a week.
Interferons are lab-made versions of proteins your body naturally makes. These medications work by helping your immune system find and attack cancer cells and viruses. Interferons can prevent cancer cells and viruses from growing and spreading. They can also stop other cells from getting infected.
Interferons can cause some adverse effects and complications.
Interferon-alpha can cause flu-like symptoms for a few hours after you receive the medication. These symptoms can include:
It can also cause skin rashes, fatigue, alopecia, autoimmune reactions, loss of appetite and erectile dysfunction.
Interferon-beta can also cause flu-like symptoms within eight hours of receiving the medication, which can last for 24 hours. Symptoms may include chills, fever, headaches, back pain and muscle aches.
Interferon-gamma can cause a number of adverse side effects, including:
In addition to these adverse side effects, interferons can cause some significant health complications, including:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Interferons are a family of proteins that your body naturally produces. They’re made and released by your immune system to fight infection and disease. Healthcare providers use human-made versions of interferons to treat a wide range of health conditions, from viral infections to certain types of cancer. While they come with some risks, they also provide the benefit of treating and even curing certain diseases. If your healthcare provider wants to treat you with interferons, they’ve weighed the risks against the benefits and have decided they’re the best option for you.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/19/2024.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy