這個基因編碼一種可溶性細胞因子，它是Ⅱ型干擾素的一個成員。編碼的蛋白質由先天免疫系統和適應性免疫系統的細胞分泌。活性蛋白是一種與干擾素γ受體結合的同二聚體，它觸發細胞對病毒和微生物感染的反應。這種基因突變與病毒、細菌和寄生蟲感染以及一些自身免疫疾病的易感性增加有關。[由RefSeq提供，2015年12月]
This gene encodes a soluble cytokine that is a member of the type II interferon class. The encoded protein is secreted by cells of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. The active protein is a homodimer that binds to the interferon gamma receptor which triggers a cellular response to viral and microbial infections. Mutations in this gene are associated with an increased susceptibility to viral, bacterial and parasitic infections and to several autoimmune diseases. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2015]