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Pharmacology · Drugs and Prescriptions

Interferon

Interferonum

Interferon is a drug from the group of agents affecting immune processes and suppressing inflammation. It is a family of small regulatory glycoproteins (cytokines) possessing pronounced antiviral, immunomodulatory, and antiproliferative activity.

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Pharmacological groupCytokines, immunomodulators, and antivirals
Main mechanismBlockade of viral RNA translation inside the cell
Routes of administrationParenteral and topical (completely destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract)
Frequent adverse effectFlu-like syndrome
How to write a prescription
Rp.: Interferoni 10 000 ME
D.t.d. N 10 in amp.
S. Содержимое ампулы растворить ex tempore в 2 мл 0,9% раствора натрия хлорида; закапывать по 5 капель в каждый носовой ход 2 раза в сутки

Alternative recording options: Interferoni leucocytici humani 10,000 IU; Pulv. Interferoni 10,000 IU; Interferoni 10,000 IU in amp.

Dosage form
Lyophilized powder in ampoules of 10,000 IU (dissolve the contents of the ampoule ex tempore in 2 ml of 0.9% NaCl)
Administration
Intranasally, 5 drops into each nasal passage
Group
Agents affecting immune processes and suppressing inflammation
5 min readFor medical studentsUpdated 09/24/2026
Material prepared by WhiteCoat Pro editorial team based on platform study guidesReviewed by medical editor: Aulov A. A., general practitioner · 09/24/2026

Mechanism of action

The action of interferons (IFNs) begins with their interaction with specific receptors located on the cell membrane. This binding triggers a complex cascade of intracellular reactions that leads to the induction of the synthesis of various enzymes responsible for the biological effects of the drug.

The antiviral mechanism is implemented through the activation of a specific enzyme that inhibits (blocks) viral RNA translation. As a result, the virus loses its ability to replicate inside the infected cell. At the cellular level, the drugs also actively interfere with the cell cycle, ensuring strict control of proliferation, cell differentiation, and apoptosis.

Pharmacological effects

Drugs of this group are characterized by the classical triad of main effects:

  1. Antiviral — protection of cells from the entry and replication of viruses.
  2. Immunomodulatory — formation and modulation of the immune response. Activation of immune effectors (macrophages) occurs, as well as an increase in the cytotoxicity of lymphocytes.
  3. Antitumor (antiproliferative) — suppression of excessive cell growth and regulation of the cell cycle.
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Classification and drugs

According to chemical and biological properties, 6 types of interferons are distinguished: $\alpha$ (alpha), $\beta$ (beta), $\gamma$ (gamma), $\delta$ (delta), $\omega$ (omega), and $\tau$ (tau).

According to the method of production (dosage forms), drugs are divided into two large groups:

  • Natural: obtained from a culture of blood donor leukocytes by virus induction. Examples: Human leukocyte interferon (a mixture of IFN-$\alpha$ subtypes), Lokferon.
  • Recombinant: synthesized by genetic engineering methods (cultivation of bacterial strains with an integrated human IFN gene plasmid). Examples: IFN-$\alpha$-2a (Roferon-A), IFN-$\alpha$-2b.

Note: Highly purified recombinant IFN-$\alpha$-2b protein structurally differs from IFN-$\alpha$-2a by the presence of the amino acid arginine at position 23.

Indications for use

Clinical application strictly depends on the type of interferon and its dosage form:

  • IFN-$\alpha$ preparations: used systemically for viral hepatitis B and C, HIV infection, and papillomavirus infection. In oncology, they are prescribed for Kaposi's sarcoma, chronic myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, and melanoma.
  • IFN-$\beta$ preparations: used as immunomodulators in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
  • IFN-$\gamma$ preparations: (e.g., Ingaron) are used to treat chronic granulomatous disease.

Local and topical application:

  • Ophthalmology: viral conjunctivitis, keratitis, uveitis (adenoviral and herpetic lesions). Drops are used (e.g., the combined drug Oftalmoferon, containing IFN-$\alpha$-2a and diphenhydramine, which provides an additional anti-inflammatory and local anesthetic effect) or subconjunctival injections.
  • Dermatovenereology: herpes simplex and herpes zoster (hydrogel-based ointments are used).
  • Respiratory infections: prevention and treatment of influenza and ARVI (intranasal drops).

Side effects

Therapy with exogenous interferons is characterized by a wide range of adverse reactions. The most common is flu-like syndrome.

Other systemic reactions:

  • CNS: dizziness, visual disturbances, confusion, depression, insomnia, tremor, paresthesia.
  • Gastrointestinal tract: loss of appetite, nausea.
  • Blood formation and kidneys: transient leukopenia, proteinuria.
  • Cardiovascular system: symptoms of heart failure.
  • Other: skin rash, itching, alopecia, epistaxis, temporary impotence.

Alternative approach: the use of interferon inducers. These are substances that stimulate the production of one's own (endogenous) interferon. Their advantage is that the body's own protein is synthesized without antigenicity (no antibodies are produced) and there is no risk of hyperinterferonemia.

Administration guidelines and prescription

Interferon drugs are inactive when administered orally because their protein structure is completely destroyed by gastrointestinal enzymes. Therefore, they are administered only parenterally (subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intravenously) or topically (intranasally, into the conjunctival sac, on the skin).

Example of writing a prescription (lyophilized powder for intranasal use in ARVI):

Rp.: Interferoni 10,000 IU D.t.d. No. 10 in amp. S. Dissolve the contents of the ampoule ex tempore in 2 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution. Instill intranasally, 5 drops into both nasal passages.

Briefly: answers to topical questions

What specific enzymes are synthesized in the cell under the action of interferons to provide the antiviral effect?

Under the action of interferons, three key enzymes and proteins are synthesized in the cell, providing the antiviral effect.

  • 2',5'-Oligoadenylate synthetase — activates cellular endoribonuclease (RNase L), which leads to the cleavage of viral RNAs.
  • Protein kinase R — phosphorylates the translation initiation factor eIF-2, blocking the synthesis of viral and cellular proteins.
  • Mx protein — binds to the viral RNA polymerase, blocking its activity and stopping replication.

Which drugs belong to the group of interferon inducers?

The group of interferon inducers includes drugs that stimulate the production of endogenous interferon in the body.

  • Tilorone (Amixin, Lavomax, Tilaxin).
  • Meglumine acridoneacetate (Cycloferon) — a low-molecular-weight interferon inducer with a combined mechanism of action.
  • Sodium oxodihydroacridinylacetate (Neovir).
  • Polyadenylic acid + polyuridylic acid (Kagocel).
  • Imidazolyl ethanamide pentanedioic acid (Ingavirin).

Which specific receptors and signaling pathways do interferons interact with on the cell membrane?

Interferons interact with specific membrane receptors and trigger intracellular signal transduction.

  • Type I interferon receptor (IFNAR) consists of two molecules: IFNAR1 and IFNAR2; type I interferons, including IFNα and IFNβ, bind to it.
  • Interferon-gamma receptor — IFNγR.
  • Type III interferon receptor is represented by IFNAR1 and IL10R2 molecules.

Signaling pathways:

  • For type I and III interferons, Jak1 and Tyk2 kinases, as well as STAT proteins, are involved in signal transduction.
  • For IFNγ, the following have been described: the main STAT pathway involving Jak1, Jak2, and Src kinase, as well as the MAPK cascade, the PI3K pathway, and the involvement of the NF-AT transcription factor.
How to memorize

The triad of interferon effects: VIP (Viruses, Immunity, Proliferation) — antiviral, immunomodulating, and antiproliferative.

Class and exam questions

Why are interferon preparations not manufactured as oral tablets?

Interferons are glycoproteins. When taken orally, they are completely destroyed by proteolytic enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract and lose their activity.

What is the main advantage of interferon inducers over recombinant products?

Inducers stimulate the production of own (endogenous) interferon. It lacks antigenicity (the body does not produce antibodies against it), and there is no risk of developing hyperinterferonemia.

What is the structural difference between recombinant IFN-alpha-2b and IFN-alpha-2a?

The main structural difference of the highly purified recombinant IFN-alpha-2b protein lies in the presence of the amino acid arginine at position 23.

Due to what component does the combined preparation Oftalmoferon exert a local anesthetic effect?

In addition to recombinant IFN-alpha-2a, Ophthalmoferon contains the antihistamine agent diphenhydramine, which provides additional anti-inflammatory and local anesthetic effects.

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What else to study on this topic

  • The molecular cascade of intracellular reactions following IFN binding to a membrane receptor.
  • Mechanisms of development of flu-like syndrome and depression during therapy with exogenous cytokines.
  • Technology for producing recombinant interferons: the role of bacterial strains and plasmids.
  • Comparative characteristics of IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, and IFN-gamma preparations according to the spectrum of clinical application.
  • Classification and mechanisms of action of endogenous interferon inducers.

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