The talented interferon-gamma

Abstract

IFN-γ is an extraordinarily pleotropic cytokine. It can not only heighten both the innate and adaptive immune response against pathogens and tumors, but also has the ability to maintain immune homeostasis. Since the effects of IFN-γ are cell and tissue specific, it is important to consider the recent advances in IFN-γ signaling in the context of different diseases. To this end, we review the involvement of IFN-γ in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases, its therapeutic potential as an anti-tumor agent and its effects upon stem cells.