Publisher Summary This chapter emphasizes additional aspects of the part played by the
interferons (IFNs) in determining the outcome of encounters between viruses and host cells.
Specifically, it reviews the biosynthesis of IFNs with particular stress on molecular
mechanisms by which the IFN-α/β genes are activated transcriptionally by virus infection.
The induction of IFN-γ by immune activation of lymphocytes is also discussed.
Subsequently, the means by which IFN stimulates nuclear transcription of specific genes are …