IFN-α exerts its anticancer effects through multiple mechanisms:
1. Antiproliferative Effects: IFN-α can inhibit the replication of cancer cells, effectively slowing down the progression of the disease. 2. Immune Modulation: It enhances the activity of immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which can target and destroy cancer cells. 3. Anti-Angiogenesis: IFN-α can reduce the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need for growth and metastasis. 4. Induction of Apoptosis: It can trigger programmed cell death in cancer cells, contributing to the reduction of tumor mass.
