How interferon-gamma keeps autoimmune diseases in check

Trends Immunol. 2008 Oct;29(10):479-86. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2008.07.002. Epub 2008 Sep 3.

Abstract

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is regarded traditionally as a proinflammatory factor and as the signature cytokine of Th1-dominated autoimmune processes. Early evidence indicative of an opposite, protective role has recently received further attention from reports revealing an increasing number of pathways by which IFN-gamma can counteract harmful inflammation in Th1-associated autoimmune diseases. Here, we review evidence for IFN-gamma's anti-inflammatory effects primarily from the perspective of one experimental model, collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), and question the classic proinflammatory role of IFN-gamma and also the Th1-Th2 paradigm as a basis for explaining the regulation of autoimmune diseases. We conclude that endogenous production of IFN-gamma during inflammatory and autoimmune diseases should be considered as a process with bidirectional immunoregulatory consequences, often resulting in moderation of pathology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthritis, Experimental / chemically induced
  • Arthritis, Experimental / immunology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Inflammation / immunology*
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology*
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*
  • Th1 Cells / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Interferon-gamma