Interferons: laboratory to clinic investigations.

Interferons are pleiotropic cytokines that exhibit multiple biological effects on cells and tissues, including antiproliferative, antiviral, and immunomodulatory activities. Despite the well-documented activity of interferons in the treatment of certain malignancies, the precise mechanisms by which these cytokines inhibit malignant cell growth remain unknown. Recently, several laboratory studies have provided important clues on the cellular events elicited during the binding of interferons to their receptors on malignant cells. The continuation and expansion of such studies should help us understand the mechanisms by which interferons elicit their antitumor effects and provide a basis for the development of new strategies in their clinical use.