Interferons and Interferon Inactivators in Aids, Arc and in Cancer Patients

Abstract

It is becoming increasingly evident that changes in various parameters of the interferon system and in the levels of prostaglandins and cyclic nucleotides have a definite role during the health and during the onset, progression and the final outcome of any disease process. In spite of ever increasing excitement over the possible clinical application of interferons, very little is known about the changes and sources of variations in the interferon production capabilities of different individuals. Heterogeneity of human interferons is now well document from the earlier work (1) as well as from more recent work based upon DNA recombinant technology (2–4). However, the clinical significance of such a heterogeneity is not known. Cloned interferons used at present in the treatment of any type of infections are a product of a single gene. It is quite possible that expression of different interferon genes varies considerably in different types of infections and malignancies. If that is the case, it may be necessary to use a custom-tailored interferon preparation for each type of infection. Such an approach at best appears to be several years away. In view of lack of such a knowledge, it seems appropriate that serious attempts should be made towards better understanding of the host’s own interferon system during infection and ways and means of its manipulation for maximal benefit. In this text, some attempts have been made in this direction.