NCIt definition : A recombinant form of the endogenous cytokine human interferon (IFN) beta-1a, with
antiproliferative, antiviral and immunomodulating activities. Upon administration,
interferon beta-1a targets and binds to specific type I IFN receptors, which eventually
results in the transcription and translation of genes containing an interferon-specific
response element and leads to the production of various anti-viral proteins and modulates
the production of various immune-modulating proteins. This reduces the production
of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines while upregulating the anti-inflammatory cytokine
interleukin 10 (IL-10), upregulates the expression of major histocompatibility (MHC)
I proteins which allows for increased presentation of peptides derived from viral
antigens, and activates CD8 T cells as well as other immune cells. Endogenous IFN-beta-1a
is produced following viral infection and it plays a key role in innate immune response
against viral pathogens.;