IFN-γ

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), the sole type II interferon, is a 143-amino-acid homodimeric cytokine produced almost exclusively by NK cells, NKT cells, cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and Th1 cells upon antigen or IL-12/IL-18 stimulation. Unlike type I interferons, IFN-γ signals through a unique heterodimeric receptor-IFNGR1 and IFNGR2-activating JAK1/JAK2 and STAT1 homodimers (GAF), which bind GAS elements to induce T-bet, MHC class I/II, antigen-processing components (TAP1/2, immunoproteasome subunits), chemokines (CXCL9/10/11) and nitric oxide synthase. These effects endow IFN-γ as the signature macrophage-activating factor, augmenting microbial killing, antigen presentation and Th1 polarization. IFN-γ additionally drives immune checkpoint PD-L1 induction, class switching to IgG subclasses, and tissue remodeling. Its dysregulation causes susceptibility to intracellular pathogens (mycobacteria, Salmonella) in deficiency, and autoimmune pathology in excess; IFN-γ assays underlie immunodiagnosis of tuberculosis and anti-IFN-γ autoantibody disease is a recognized adult immunodeficiency.