History of Interferon (Immunology for the Rheumatologist)
Apr 16, 2024
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Dr. Mary Crow, MD, co-author of an article on interferon research, discusses its history, impact on autoimmune diseases like lupus, connections to the AIDS epidemic, and potential therapeutic applications. She also highlights exceptional patient care and research focus at the Hospital for Special Surgery, reflecting on leadership in rheumatology and the importance of embracing failures in research.
Interferon research pioneers laid the groundwork for understanding interferon's therapeutic potential against viral infections.
Interferon dysregulation plays a dual role in host immunity and autoimmune diseases like lupus, emphasizing its impact on autoantibody production.
Deep dives
Interferon Research History: Unusual Approach to Writing a Review
Dr. Peggy Crow's manuscript delves into the history of interferon research, a unique approach to reviewing scholarly work. She highlights the contributions of early researchers like Isaac, Lindman, Nagano, and Kojima in unraveling the roles of interferon in battling viral infections.
Jan Vilcek's Impact on Interferon Discovery
Jan Vilcek's pioneering work in the 1960s focused on characterizing different types of interferon, particularly leukocyte and fibroblast interferons. His research at NYU shed light on the molecular nature of interferon, laying the foundation for understanding its therapeutic potential.
Interferon Signaling Pathway and Gene Regulation
The podcast discusses the intricate signaling mechanisms triggered by interferon, involving JAKs, STATs, and ISGs. Researchers like George Stark and Jim Darnell played key roles in unraveling how interferon induces gene expression through the JAK-STAT pathway, shedding light on its impact on host defense against viruses.
Interferon's Therapeutic Applications and Role in Autoimmunity
Recombinant interferon therapies have found application in hematological malignancies, hepatitis, and multiple sclerosis. The discussion extends to lupus, highlighting the link between interferon dysregulation and autoantibody production, emphasizing its dual role in host immunity and autoimmune diseases like lupus.
“If I have seen further, it is because I stand on the shoulders of giants” Sir Isaac Newton famously stated in a letter to polymath scientist, Robert Hooke back in 1675. Today, Dr. Mary Crow, MD, aides Arthritis & Rheumatology launch a series on immunology, for rheumatologists. She is the co-author of the article Standing on Shoulders: Interferon Research, from Viral Interference to Lupus Pathogenesis and Treatment. In this episode, we stand with Dr. Crow to look back at the achievements made by brilliant minds in interferon research and analyze the unbroken line their advancements in rheumatology have led to today’s discoveries, with more to com
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