The boost to one in particular, interferon-gamma, was sizeable, a 13.6 fold increase.

BBC: Algae may boost immune system

In those with a milder form of the disease, they found a protein associated with a bacterial immune response - interferon-gamma.

BBC: 'Wrong' immune response aids TB

Not only is interferon-beta an ineffective weapon against bacteria, it can block the action of interferon gamma - which is when bacteria can gain a foothold, the researchers said.

BBC: 'Wrong' immune response aids TB

The drug is a synthetic version of interferon gamma-1b, a distant cousin of the more famous virus fighter used against hepatitis and cancer.

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The researchers found that while two-thirds of infants with biliary atresia produced a cytokine called gamma-interferon, the protein was not found in any of the samples of infants with cholestasis.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Hope on child liver transplants