Interferons

Hi all,

Back in 08 some of you may remember, I had the distinct pleasure to receive a phone call from Dr. Sidney Pestka. (though I did not know what he was famous for 1/2 of the way into the conversation). The more he spoke, the more I knew he was someone important. I immediately got off the phone and googled his name and sure enough - it was the Father of Interferon himself.

I was shocked because all I did to facilitate this was send an email to an interferon source here in NJ seeking information and knowledge on NABs, (neutralizing antibodies).  I wanted to know more about the the role they played (if discovered to have them) in the their ability to render interferons useless.

I received so much more in return. Dr. Pestka described to me that interferon was a protein, and how and why it worked. He explained how and why (if tested positive) identifying antibodies was only one step. That the binding and non-binding antibodies would then be separated, etc.  I have an email somewhere from back then with more details (obviously my mind definitely didn't retain everything), and posted something briefly on the forum here about the whole conversation. I'll have to dig that up for you because I think it's important.

I called him at a later date and he returned my call again. He's a wonderful man who still believes in the power of interferons. He was willing to answer questions - he's so driven, so passionate about the science and discoveries after all these years. At the time, he was still giving lectures and was very approachable.

The reason I'm re-mentioning all of this is because I revisited the website today. I was excited to see this brief video - if you get the chance to peek at it (below - click on the vid that flashes) please do. I think you'll understand why I was so excited years back after talking with him. I told my husband, because I was pumped, lol But honestly he was kind of like, oh, that's nice honey, ahahha

Anyway - There is information on the web that is not always so reliable. Prescribing information via the web, and what's actually received from the pharma company often differ. Or, what I see most is that the web does not include everything.  Please know this as you research.

Many of us facing DMD choices want to know a bit more ( I sure did) and moreoften we can be fearful of what the med may do to us long term, so we seek information. Not everyone gets ahold of solid reliable information. I think it was Suma who mentioned anyone can add to wiki - excellent point to take home is please go beyond 1st hits or reach out to a researcher. Many of us here are researchers in our respected fields.

Dr. Pestka discovered and believes hwo the interferon can protect us. He spoke well of Copax too. He also described in more detail the antiviral properties of interferon as being key.As for Copaxone he said specifically it was a peptide. Most of what I remember about what he described was that it was unlike the interferon because of being a peptide and therefore worked by different mechanism (his descrip much more technical, lol) - not very much unlike what we've said here. And not different than what Doc Quix taught us throught the years.

So, for what it's worth, check it out, and hope you enjoy the clip:
((Sorry to ramble :( ))
http://www.interferonsource.com/

[Guitar_grrrl]

Thanks for the clip, Shell!  I'll definitely check it out!

[Guitar_grrrl]

Thanks for the clip, Shell!  I'll definitely check it out!

[Lulu54]

I just had the time to look through this site - it is sure loaded with information.  I think my favorite is the graphic novel/comic book/anime spin on interferons.

Check out the battle of the cytokine force and Interferon Beta in chapter 2 at

http://interferonforce.com/assets/comix/full/CS_Issue1.pdf

thanks for bringing this source forward, Shell.

[sllowe]

Thanks, Ladies.

Hope more take the time to check it out.
Fun and learning - can't beat that!

-Shell