What is the difference between Type I and Type II Interferon?
Interferon is denoted as INFs. These are glycoproteins with indirect antiviral properties. The production of cytokines is induced by a viral infection in the body.
These interferons are stimulated to the synthesis of antiviral proteins that show the multiplication of viral proteins.
The core difference between Type I and Type II interferon is that type I interferon is found the human chromosome 9 while type II interferon is found in the human chromosome 12.
What Is Type I Interferon?
Type I interferon comprise of beta and alpha interferon. They are located in chromosome 9 of human beings.
These glycoproteins are produced in all types of cells in the body such as fibroblast, macrophage, and dendritic cells.
What Is Type II Interferon?
Type II interferon comprises of gamma interferon. They are located in chromosome 12 of human beings.
These glycoproteins are produced by natural killer cells and T helper cells. They are stimulated by antigen-stimulated T cells.
Comparison Chart: Type I Interferon Vs Type II Interferon
| Basic Terms | Type I Interferon | Type II Interferon |
| Location | Situated on chromosome 9 of human | Situated on chromosome 12 of humans |
| Examples | Alpha and beta interferon | Gamma interferon |
| Production | Produce by all types of cells such as fibroblast, dendritic and macrophage | Produce by natural killer cells and T helper cells |
| Stimulated by | Virus and bacteria | Antigen stimulated T cells |
| Effect | Increases the expression of class I MHC complex | Increases the expression of both class I and Class II MHC complex |
| Role | Inhibit cell proliferation | Activates macrophages |
Core Difference between Type I Interferon and Type II Interferon In Point Form
- Type I interferon is located on chromosome 9 while type II interferon is located on chromosome 12
- Examples of type I interferon is the alpha and beta interferon while that of type II interferon is gamma interferon
- Type I interferon is produced by fibroblast, dendritic and macrophage while type II is produced by natural killer cells and T helper cells
- Type I is stimulated by virus and bacteria while type II is stimulated by antigen-stimulated T cells
- Type I increases the expression of class I MHC complex while Type II increases the expression of both class I and class II MHC
- The main role of type I interferon is to inhibit cell proliferation while type II interferon activates macrophages
Similarities between Type I and Type II Interferon
- Both are a short form of glycoproteins
- Both possess indirect antiviral properties
- Both are triggered by a viral infection
- Both operate through receptors on the surface of the plasma membrane
- Both can trigger the production of antiviral proteins
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Comparison Video
Summary
The main difference between type I and Type II interferon is that type I interferon is located in chromosome 9 while Type II interferon is located in chromosome 12.