ABSTRACT
Interferon (IFN) is the first cytokine to be used therapeutically with antiviral, antiproliferative and immunoregulatory effects. Dermatologic Food and Drug Administration approved indications for IFNs include condyloma accuminata, AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma, melanoma, chronic granulomatous disease. Off-label dermatologic uses are cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, keratoacanthoma, keloid, verruca vulgaris, hemangioma and Behçet disease. IFN-α2a, α2b, β and γ are the most common forms used in skin diseases. This review will focus on mechanism of action for IFNs, antiviral, antiproliferative and immunoregulatory effects, the dermatologic indications, side effects and contraindications.
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