Definition

1. Noun:
   • An antiviral protein produced by cells that have been infected by a virus: Interferon is a type of signaling protein released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens, such as viruses. Its primary function is to interfere with viral replication, helping to protect uninfected cells from viral infection.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor explained that interferon is a natural part of the body's immune response.
  • Researchers are studying the effectiveness of synthetic interferon against certain diseases.
  • The virus triggers the production of interferon in the infected cells.

Advanced Usage

• Therapeutic Use: In medicine, interferon can be manufactured and used as a drug to treat conditions like hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, and some cancers.
  • The patient received interferon therapy to combat the chronic infection.

Variants and Related Words

• Interferon-alpha, Interferon-beta, Interferon-gamma (n): These are specific types of interferons, classified based on the type of cell that produces them and their specific biological activities.

Synonyms

• Cytokine: A broader category of signaling proteins released by cells, which includes interferons.
• Antiviral protein: A descriptive term highlighting its function.

Notes on Meaning

The term interferon specifically refers to the protein's role in "interfering" with viral replication. It is not a general antibiotic or a vaccine, but a part of the innate immune system's early defense mechanism.

Noun

1. an antiviral protein produced by cells that have been invaded by a virus; inhibits replication of the virus