Immune Interferon Is a Growth Factor for Human Lung Fibroblasts1–4

Abstract
A number of immunologically mediated lung disorders are characterized by the presence of fibrosis. In these studies, we demonstrate that immune (gamma) interferon, as well as interleukin-1 (IL-1), can function as a growth factor for human lung fibroblasts, Interleukin-2 has no effect on the proliferation of these cells. Interferon increases the proliferation of lung fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner and functions as a progression factor by complementing the growthpromoting effects of a characterized competence factor such as fibroblast growth factor. These observations suggest that interferon, as well as IL-1, may play an important role in the fibrotic response as well as the immune response in the lung.

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