Novel functions of interferon-induced proteins

Interferons are important cytokines which regulate antiviral, cell growth, immune modulatory and anti-tumor functions. These pleiotropic effects of in terferons are brought about by a large number of cellular proteins, the int erferon-inducible proteins. Investigation of the biochemical and cellular a ctivities of some of these proteins have revealed new pathways of regulatio n of cellular RNA and protein metabolism, growth and differentiation, apopt osis and signal transduction. In this article we discuss recent findings on the novel activities of a selected number of interferon-induced proteins.