Interferon and cell-mediated immunity.

Abstract

The thesis is introduced that the phenomena of cell-mediated immunity proceed with the necessary involvement of interferon. In view of this thesis various examples of cell-mediated cytotoxicity both antibody-dependent, and antibody-independent are analyzed. The role of interferon in transplantation, allergic diseases and the treatment of cancer is also discussed. Based on this analysis it is concluded that interferon provides for the cytotoxicity of immune and non-immune leukocytes. It is suggested that interferon is responsible for the cytotoxic effect in itself, since it facilitates lethal hybridization. Recognition of the important role of interferon in the mechanism of cell-mediated immunity leads to some practical conclusions: a) The selective inhibition of the activity of type II interferon may be a sufficient measure in cases where now total immunosuppression is applied. b) Periodic treatment of healthy population by lymphokine stimulants may be a method of prevention of cancer. c) Transplantation, allergic diseases, immunotherapy of cancer should be considered in terms of the role of interferon in these processes.