Interferon-gamma: a key immunoregulatory lymphokine.

Interferon-gamma is an important component of numerous host responses to inflammatory insults. Data from in vitro and animal studies suggest that this agent may have clinical uses in immunocompromised patients who are at increased risk for infectious complications. In addition to reviewing our current understanding of the in vitro and in vivo actions of interferon-gamma, this article cautions that the potential for adverse reactions exists when interferon-gamma is administered to an immunologically competent host.