The neglected role of type I interferon in the T-cell response: implications for its clinical use.

Originally described as an antiviral substance, type I interferon (IFN) was subsequently shown to exert multiple biological effects and is now the most frequently used cytokine in the treatment of some viral and neoplastic diseases. Although early studies described various effects on the immune system, the role of type I IFN as an immunoregulatory molecule has long been neglected. Here, Filippo Belardelli and Ion Gresser summarize recent experimental results on the interactions of type I IFN with T cells, which may prove important in its use in patients.