Type I Conceptus Interferons: Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy Signals and Potential Therapeutic Agents

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Abstract
In summary, Type I conceptus interferons of sheep, cows, and goats (perhaps all ruminants), which signal maternal recognition of pregnancy, may be useful for enhancing fertility in animal agriculture and may have a role in human and veterinary medicine as well. The Type I conceptus interferons share antiviral, anticellular, and immunosuppressive properties with Type I leukocyte interferons, but lack their cytotoxic effects, which may make them especially useful as therapeutic agents in human and veterinary medicine. The unique N-terminal structure of oTP-1 may account for its distinctive biological properties, including its antiluteolytic activity.