by Daniel Brouse
An interferon is a protein released by animal cells, usually in response to the entry of a virus, which has the property of inhibiting virus replication. A natural substance that helps the body’s immune system fight infection and other diseases, such as cancer. Interferons are made in the body by white blood cells and other cells, but they can also be made in the laboratory to use as treatments for different diseases. In cancer therapy, interferons may help keep cancer cells from growing and may help kill cancer cells. There are three main types of interferons: interferon-alfa, interferon-beta, and interferon-gamma. An interferon is a type of cytokine and type of immunomodulating agent. [1]
Several new studies of immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease, suggest timing could be critical for interferons. These immune proteins suppress viral replication early in disease. Yet if they are active later, some scientists think they can exacerbate the harmful inflammation that forces some COVID-19 patients onto life support. Interferons are “a double-edged sword,” says immunologist Eui-Cheol Shin of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. [2]
The timing of the creation and the implementation of interferons appears to be a critical part of the immune system. Synthetic interferons may do more harm than good. Synthesizing and synergizing interferons by the body may be a safe and effective way to boost the nonspecific immune system. It may also be a safe and effective way to boost the specific immune system.
Memory T cells are created when a naive T cell acquires the memory of an antigen. Acquired T cell responses are critical for the host’s defense against microbial pathogens. T cells, by the release of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), induce autophagy, phagosomal maturation, the production of antimicrobial peptides such as cathelicidin, and antimicrobial activity. There is a a mechanism in which vitamin D is required for acquired immunity to overcome the ability of intracellular pathogens to evade macrophage-mediated antimicrobial responses.[3]
While the inflammation generated by innate immune cells [neutrophils, macrophages, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs), etc.] is important in the initial containment of the infection, it also informs and directs the expansion and differentiation of adaptive immune cells. Responding to the inflammatory environment created by the innate response, cells of the adaptive arm of the immune response (B cells, αβ T cells, and γδ T cells) are stimulated to expand in number (proliferate) and to differentiate into cells with a range of functions appropriate for the immunological challenge.[4]
What is necessary for the creation and implementation of interferons?
The role of eating meat in your diet is not yet clearly known; however, animal proteins and amino acids obtained through eating meat likely play an important role in creating interferons. We do know that bacterium found in ruminant cattle (meat and milk) is essential for humans to make Vitamin D. [5] We also know that exposure of the skin to sunlight (UVB radiation) is required for the body to photosynthesize Vitamin D and create the photoproducts. Previtamin D3 and vitamin D3 also absorb UV B radiation and are converted into a variety of photoproducts some of which have unique biologic properties. [6]
“We’ve discovered a new component of the interferon system,” said Michael J. Holtzman, MD, the Selma and Herman Seldin Professor of Medicine. “It does something that other components don’t do, and it works on both sides of the fence: It dials up the body’s internal genes that fight viruses, and it attacks viral proteins directly.”
The researchers’ strategy did not involve increasing the amount of interferon, the first step of this important antiviral signaling cascade. Instead, it dialed up amounts of the protein STAT1, the second component of this cascade, without altering the system’s overall interferon on/off switch.
“Past work to boost this system just kept the interferon signal on all the time,” Holtzman said. “When the system is chronically activated, it is no longer regulated, and that’s where the autoimmune problems may come from. Our system is still regulated by the presence or absence of interferon. Interferon amounts increase when there is an infection and decrease when there is no infection. We’re not boosting interferon itself, but the secondary signal that interferon activates, which sets off the rest of the antiviral cascade. It’s like greasing the wheels. We’re not pushing the system any harder. But when we do push, we get a bigger effect.” [7]
COVID, Vitamin D, Health, and Wellness
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1. Interferon National Cancer Institute
2. An Immune Protein Could Prevent Severe COVID-19—if It Is Given at the Right Time Scientific American
3. Vitamin D Is Required for IFN-γ–Mediated Antimicrobial Activity of Human Macrophages NIH
4. T cell responses: naïve to memory and everything in between NIH
5. Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki Podcast / Australian Broadcasting Corporation
6. Sunlight and Vitamin D NIH
7. Study reveals new, potent way to boost immunity and fight viruses Washington University in St.Louis