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Interferon Alpha

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Cancer Therapeutic Targets

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Abstract

Interferons comprise a family of cytokines subclassified as types I-III based on their structural and functional properties. Named for their ability to “interfere” with viral replication, interferons perform a host of other functions including immune cell activation, augmentation of antigen presentation and upregulation of major histocompatibility complex molecules. Signaling through IFN-α/β receptor (IFNAR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) complexes, type I interferons result in the transcription of a variety of proteins with broad anti-viral and anti-tumor effects. In this chapter we briefly delineate the interferon biology before reviewing the clinical application of interferons in cancer particularly in melanoma and renal cell carcinoma.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Diwakar Davar

  2. Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA

    Leonard J. Appleman & John M. Kirkwood

Authors
  1. Diwakar Davar
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  2. Leonard J. Appleman
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  3. John M. Kirkwood
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Correspondence to John M. Kirkwood .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Hematology & Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA

    John L. Marshall

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Davar, D., Appleman, L.J., Kirkwood, J.M. (2017). Interferon Alpha. In: Marshall, J. (eds) Cancer Therapeutic Targets. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0717-2_64

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