Overview
IFN-γ or Interferon-gamma is a crucial cytokine involved in the immune response against various microbial pathogens, including coronaviruses. It is produced by T cells and natural killer cells and acts on both immune and non-immune cells. IFN-γ plays a pivotal role in the clearance of viral infections by stimulating the immune cells to attack and destroy infected cells. The upregulation of IFN-γ expression is considered an early defense mechanism against viral infections before the adaptive immune response takes over. Studies have shown that IFN-γ has a significant impact on the clinical outcome of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Patients who survive SARS-CoV-2 infection have shown higher levels of IFN-γ, indicating that it may play a role in controlling the viral replication and spread. Conversely, patients with severe COVID-19 have shown decreased IFN-γ levels, indicating that it may be a critical indicator in predicting severe cases. IFN-γ has also shown potential as a therapeutic agent against coronaviruses. Several clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of IFN-γ in treating COVID-19 patients. However, the results have been mixed, with some studies showing a significant reduction in the severity of the disease, while others have failed to show any significant benefit. Nevertheless, the potential of IFN-γ as a therapeutic agent against coronaviruses warrants further investigation. In conclusion, IFN-γ is a crucial cytokine involved in the immune response against coronaviruses. Its role in controlling the viral replication and spread, as well as its potential as a therapeutic agent, makes it a significant target for further research. Understanding the mechanisms underlying IFN-γ's action in coronavirus infections may lead to the development of more effective treatments for COVID-19 and other coronavirus diseases.
Research published in this journal
10 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
How this research is being cited
The 10 articles above have been cited 63 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
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2025 · Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology
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2025 · Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology
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2025 · Food Science & Nutrition
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K. P. Kariyawasam et al. · 2025 · Food Science & Nutrition
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2025 · Pteridines
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2024 · Heliyon
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2024 · Abstract and Applied Analysis
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2024 · BioMed Target Journal
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on IFN-γ, linking to each citing work.