The History and Impact of Interferon Research

Delving into the origins and advancements in interferon research, this chapter explores the contributions of pioneers like Jan Vilcek and the fierce competition in the 1980s to clone and define interferon. It also discusses the functions of type one interferon in the immune system and the complex interplay with the interferon receptor, highlighting key discoveries by researchers like George Stark and Jim Darnell. Furthermore, the chapter delves into the signaling pathways activated by interferon and the role of suppressor of cytokine signaling molecules in regulating the interferon system.