Interferon-β modulates protein synthesis in the central nervous system

Interferon-β (IFN-β), acting canonically via the modulation of transcription, affects neocortical pyramidal neurons. By use of 2-D differential gel electrophoresis and subsequent mass spectrometry we identified IFN-β regulated proteins in the central nervous system. These proteins are involved in cytoskeleton assembly, protein transport and nucleotide metabolism and, as such, serve regenerative and protective functions. Electrophysiologically, IFN-β mediated protein synthesis is essential for part of the excitatory neuronal effects, as revealed under blockade of protein biosynthesis. This study presents novel effects of IFN-β in the central nervous system and begins to unravel the mechanism behind the known excitability changes in neurons.