NCIt synonyms : Alfa-N3 Interferon; Interferon Alfa-3N, Human Leukocyte Derived;
NCIt definition : A formulated therapeutic analog of the endogenous alpha interferon containing multiple
interferon species with antiviral and antitumor properties. Interferons bind to specific
cell-surface receptors, leading to the transcription and translation of genes with
an interferon-specific response element, thereby inducing: antiviral effects (the
most important being inhibition of viral protein synthesis); antiproliferative effects
(including inhibition of cellular growth and alteration of cellular differentiation);
anticancer effects (including interference with oncogene expression); and immune-modulating
effects (including activation of natural killer cells, alteration of cell surface
antigen expression, and augmentation of lymphocyte and macrophage cytotoxicity). (NCI04);