Interferons
(INFs) are naturally occurring glycoprotein cytokines that inhibit viral
replication. Interferon alpha, like all interferons has a variable and
broad-spectrum antiviral effects. Interferons appear to be effective at slowing
the replication of almost any human virus. However, its clinical efficacy is decreased
by the serious side effects. For example, while INF-Alpha may be effective at
stopping the symptoms of the common cold – this treatment is not practical
since the side effects are generally more disturbing than an average cold
infection.
The
side effects include an immediate influenza-like syndrome with fatigue, fever,
chills, headache, anorexia, myalgia, arthralgia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
and diaphoresis. Prolonged therapy can lead to myelosuppression, hepatitis,
nuerotoxicity, depression, ataxia, tremor, seizures, sedation, coma, cardiac
toxicity neurasthenia, and chronic fatigue.
Interferon Alpha has been shown to be an effective
treatment for the following viral infections:
·
Chronic
active hepatitis B infection
·
Hepatitis
C infection
·
Non-A
non-B viral hepatitis
·
Condlyomata
acuminata
·
Human
Papilloma virus infection
·
Kaposi’s
Sarcoma (HHV-8)
Interferon
Alpha is a substance produced naturally by virally infected macrophages. It
induces its antiviral effect by a variety of means that include induction of
MHC class I and II, macrophage activation, natural killer cell activation, and
the activation of CD8 and CD4 T cells.
Source:
Page et. al. Integrated Pharmacology. 1994. P.320, 455-456.