What is the main difference between interleukins and interferons? The former are a group of naturally occurring proteins that mediate communication between cells while the latter are glycoproteins produced in response to infections.
Cytokines are small proteins ideal for promoting growth and functioning of other immune cells and blood cells. Interleukins and interferons are two types of cytokines the cells of the immune system produce.
This comparison article will help understand these two types of cytokines in detail. Take the time to also read through the similarities between interleukins and interferons. Interferons and interleukins are produced by virus-infected cells, dendritic cells, and regulatory T-cells.
Difference Between Interleukins and Interferons With Table
| Basic Terms | Interleukins | Interferons |
| Definition | Signaling proteins that mediate communication between immune cells and regulate immune response. | Signaling proteins that help coordinate immune responses against viral infections and other pathogens. |
| Types | Numerous types (e.g., IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, etc.) | Three main types: Type I (e.g., IFN-alpha, IFN-beta), Type II (IFN-gamma), and Type III (IFN-lambda) |
| Source | Produced by various immune cells like T cells, B cells, macrophages, etc. | Produced by immune cells in response to viral infection. |
| Functions | Regulate immune responses, inflammation, and hematopoiesis | Activate antiviral responses, inhibit viral replication, enhance MHC expression, and modulate immune responses |
| Target Cells | Act on both immune and non-immune cells | Primarily act on neighboring cells to induce antiviral state |
| Induction | Response to various signals like infections. | Induced by viral infections, double-stranded RNA, and other immune stimuli |
| Signaling Pathways | Often use JAK-STAT pathway and other intracellular pathways for signaling | Typically involve JAK-STAT pathway and other pathways like MAPK and PI3K |
| Clinical Implications | Dysregulation of interleukin signaling is associated with various immune disorders and inflammatory conditions | Dysregulation of interferon signaling can lead to autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiencies. |
What Are Interleukins?
Interleukins are a group of signaling proteins crucial for communication between various immune cells, orchestrating immune responses and regulating inflammation. Produced by immune cells like T cells, B cells, and macrophages, they play diverse roles in immune system coordination.
They trigger responses such as promoting immune cell growth, directing immune cell movement, and influencing the intensity of immune reactions. Dysregulation of interleukin signaling can lead to immune disorders and inflammatory conditions.
By transmitting information between cells, interleukins contribute to the body’s ability to recognize and respond to infections, injuries, and other challenges.
What Are Interferons?
Interferons are signaling proteins integral to the immune response against viral infections and other pathogens. They’re produced by immune cells upon encountering viruses or other immune stimuli.
They activate neighboring cells and induce an antiviral state that hinders viral replication. They also enhance the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules.
Three main types are Type I (e.g., IFN-alpha, IFN-beta), Type II (IFN-gamma), and Type III (IFN-lambda). Dysregulation of interferon signaling can lead to autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, and increased susceptibility to viral infections.
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Main Difference Between Interleukins and Interferons
- Interleukins regulate immune responses, inflammation, and hematopoiesis while Interferons activate antiviral responses, inhibit viral replication, and modulate immune reactions.
- Interleukins are produced by various immune cells, like T cells, B cells, and macrophages while Interferons are produced mainly by immune cells in response to viral infections.
- Interleukins induced in response to various signals, including infections and cytokines while Interferons induced by viral infections, double-stranded RNA, and immune stimuli.
- Interleukins are umerous types like IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, etc while Interferons have three main types: Type I (e.g., IFN-alpha, IFN-beta), Type II (IFN-gamma), and Type III (IFN-lambda).
- Interleukins act on both immune and non-immune cells, regulating immune responses while Interferons act on neighboring cells, inducing an antiviral state to hinder viral replication.
Similarities Between Interleukins and Interferons
- Both are immune cell-produced signaling proteins.
- Both regulate immune responses and inflammation.
- Both enable communication between immune cells.
- Both influence the inflammatory process.
- Both aid in antiviral defense mechanisms.
Final Thoughts from Expert
Interleukins and interferons are crucial components of the immune system with distinct functions and roles. Interleukins primarily focus on immune response coordination, inflammation modulation, and hematopoiesis regulation.
Interferons specialize in activating antiviral responses, inhibiting viral replication, and enhancing immune reactions against infections. Understanding these differences is pivotal for comprehending the immune system’s intricacies and designing targeted therapeutic interventions.
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