Paper II
2015 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Interferon alfa

Q33 marksShort Notes

Answer

Interferon alfa is a cytokine with antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory actions.

Mechanism of action

  • Binds to specific cell-surface interferon receptors, inducing synthesis of antiviral proteins that inhibit viral protein synthesis and replication
  • Also enhances natural killer cell and macrophage activity, and has direct antiproliferative effects on tumour cells

Uses

  • Chronic hepatitis B and C
  • Certain malignancies: hairy cell leukaemia, chronic myeloid leukaemia, Kaposi’s sarcoma, melanoma
  • Condyloma acuminata (genital warts)

Adverse effects

  • Flu-like syndrome (fever, myalgia, malaise) — common, especially with first doses
  • Myelosuppression
  • Depression and other neuropsychiatric effects
  • Autoimmune phenomena (thyroiditis)
  • Hepatotoxicity

Other Years Asked


Revise MBBS
Preview