When IFN-b ligand interacts successfully with its receptor, it triggers a full cascade ofsignaling events. This cascade activates transcription factors which in turn induce the synthesis of "interferon response elements," also known as "interferon response genes."

In order to study the activity of IFN-b, and by extension the presence of NAbs, groups have studied the induction of one of these responsegenes or the induction of their protein products, such as neopterin. If induction of either the gene or the protein is decreased, then the activity of IFN-b is being blocked.

Look for more on neopterin and the biological significance of NAbs in the next session of NeuroCAST.

 

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