ABSTRACT
This chapter presents classification & mode of action, indications & dermatological uses, formulations/presentation, dosages & suggested regimens, baseline investigations, considerations & monitoring, contraindications, cautions, important drug interactions, adverse effects & their management, use in special situations, and essential patient information of Interferons (IFN). IFNs are glycoprotein cytokines, first discovered in the 1950s by Isaacs and Lindeman. IFNs are contraindicated during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. The antiproliferative effects of IFNs include a direct effect on tumour cells with prolongation of the cell cycle, inhibition of the expansion of T-cell clones and activation of cytotoxic T cells. Binding of microbial antigens to receptors such as membrane bound Toll-like receptors or cytoplasmic receptors can trigger release of IFNs, which bind to specific receptors on the same or neighbouring cells to activate signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) complexes. Some STATs are activated by both Type I and Type II IFNs, but each IFN type can also activate unique STATs.
