Interferons (IFNs) are central signalling modulators of the immune system. They are named for their ability to “interfere” with viral replication, thus protecting cells from viral infections.

IFNs are one of the body’s first defences against viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens.

IFNs’ key functions include:

  • Activation of immune cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells and natural killer (NK) cells.
  • Increasing host defences in the tissues, including up-regulating antigen presentation
  • Acting as a signalling bridge between the innate and adaptive immune systems
  • Modulating multiple cellular pathways in myeloid cell-associated inflammation
Overview

IFNs belong to a large class of proteins known as cytokines, a group of signalling molecules used for communication between cells to mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation.

Since their discovery in 1957, more than 17 Type-I IFN subtypes have been identified, each with distinct biological properties.

A limited number of these natural IFNs have been used effectively in the clinic for almost 40 years. However, they can cause significant side effects, including cytokine release syndrome where an aggressive inflammatory response is triggered, which can be fatal, and autoimmune disorders.

Highly distinct to existing interferon therapeutics, hybrid interferons build on our knowledge of natural IFNs to combine favourable attributes of specific sub-types and produce novel drug candidates.