Gamma Interferon Also Fights Fungal Infections

Interferon, a known cure for viral infections, may also be a strong weapon in the battle against fungal infections in immuno-compromised patients, according to a new study.

Researchers at Stanford University (CA, USA) found that when gamma interferon was given to mice infected with Cryptococcus along with amphotericin B--a standard antifungal treatment--the rate of cure was significantly higher than using one therapy alone. Further tests on other fungal infections, including blastomycosis, candidosis, and aspergillosis showed that gamma interferon, when used as an adjunctive therapy, has beneficial effects in terms of the reduction of the fungus in the organs and on animal survival. The researchers found that Gamma interferon works by enhancing the mechanisms of neutrophils, converting them into more potent killers of fungi. The researchers also explored the possibility of using gene therapy for delivering gamma interferon into the nervous system to combat fungal meningitis. The study was published in the November 2007 issue of Microbiology Today.

"Studies of this type suggest a potential clinical use for specific gamma interferon gene therapy in the future,” said co-author Dr. David Stevens of the division of infectious diseases and geographic medicine. "Treatment with gamma-interferon offers a new additional approach to treatment and it provides a new approach to treating difficult diseases. However, clinical trials must document the benefit for patients.”

Interferons (IFNs) are natural proteins that belong to the large class of glycoproteins known as cytokines that are produced by the cells of the immune system in response to challenges by foreign agents such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and tumor cells. Interferons assist the immune response by suppressing virus reproduction, stimulating other T cells, and activating macrophage cells.


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