Interferon gamma !
An injected immune activator that reduces serious infections in chronic granulomatous disease and slows severe malignant osteopetrosis.
Updated 2026-11-01
Also called: interferon gamma-1b
Mechanism of action
Interferon gamma (type II interferon) binds its own receptor, different from that of interferon alfa and beta, and activates JAK-STAT signalling. Its exact way of working in chronic granulomatous disease and osteopetrosis is not fully known; it is an immunomodulator that activates immune cells, including phagocytes.
- Binds the interferon gamma receptor
- Activates JAK-STAT signalling in immune cells
- Phagocytes are activated
- Fewer serious infections in chronic granulomatous disease
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Injected subcutaneously; not absorbed by mouth
Indications
- Reducing serious infections in chronic granulomatous disease Chronic granulomatous disease →
- Slowing progression of severe malignant osteopetrosis
Adverse effects
Common
- Flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, headache, myalgia, fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
- Injection site pain and redness
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to interferon gamma
Key interactions
- Drugs that suppress the bone marrow
- Additive myelosuppression
What is monitored
- Laboratory tests ordered by the doctor, including blood counts
- Heart status in people with heart disease
- Seizure control in people with seizure disorders
Administration and safety
- Subcutaneous injection; sites rotated
- First dose usually given under supervision
- Syringes and vials never reused or shared
Nursing care
- Teach self-injection and safe disposal
- Suggest bedtime injections and fever control as prescribed
- Teach to report signs of allergy at once
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Human data are limited; the benefit and risk are weighed.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
What inherited immune disease is treated with interferon gamma?
Chronic granulomatous disease, to reduce serious infections.
Does interferon gamma use the same receptor as interferon alfa?
No. It binds the type II (interferon gamma) receptor.
What bone disease is interferon gamma used for?
Severe malignant osteopetrosis.
Related drugs
Related conditions
← Back to the class: Interferons
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Interferon Gamma-1b Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026); Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed., ch. 63 (McGraw Hill, 2023).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.