Rat Anti-Mouse IFNγ Antibody (XMG1.2)

Interferon-gamma (IFNγ) is the signature cytokine of type II interferon, a 20–25 kDa glycoprotein homodimer that is synthesized and secreted primarily by activated T cells, NK cells and NKT cells; upon binding to its high-affinity receptor (IFNGR1/2) it triggers JAK1/JAK2-mediated phosphorylation of STAT1, launching a transcriptional program that up-regulates MHC class I and II, antigen-processing machinery, chemokines such as CXCL9/10/11, nitric-oxide and reactive-oxygen species, and hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes, thereby polarizing macrophages toward the microbicidal M1 phenotype, enhancing Th1 responses, orchestrating antiviral, antitumor and intracellular bacterial immunity, and exerting pro- or anti-inflammatory feedback depending on context; genetic or therapeutic blockade of IFNγ in mice and humans highlights its essential yet double-edged role in controlling infection, tumor surveillance, autoimmune diseases and immune-related adverse events.