Interferon: Functions and Types
Interferon FAQ
What are interferons & why are they important?
Interferons are proteins that are part of your natural defenses. They tell your immune system that germs or cancer cells are in your body. And they trigger killer immune cells to fight those invaders. Interferons got their name because they "interfere" with viruses and keep them from multiplying.
How do interferons work?
Interferons are lab-made versions of proteins your body naturally makes. These medications work by helping your immune system find and attack cancer cells and viruses. Interferons can prevent cancer cells and viruses from growing and spreading. They can also stop other cells from getting infected.
What is interferon type I?
Interferon type I (α/β/δ...) Interferons ( IFN s, / ˌɪntərˈfɪərɒn / IN-tər-FEER-on ) are a group of signaling proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of several viruses. In a typical scenario, a virus-infected cell will release interferons causing nearby cells to heighten their anti-viral defenses.
What cells make interferons?
Almost every cell in your body makes interferons. There are three main types: Cells that have been infected with viruses or other germs give off interferon-alpha and interferon-beta as a warning signal to your immune system. That triggers immune cells called white blood cells to release interferon-gamma to fight the germs.
What is an Interferon Cytokine?
What is an interferon? Interferon (IFN) proteins are a family of cytokines secreted by host cells to modulate the immune response. As the first class of cytokines discovered, they were named “interferon” due to the protein’s ability to interfere with viral replication.
What are IFNs & interferons?
IFNs belong to the large class of proteins known as cytokines, molecules used for communication between cells to trigger the protective defenses of the immune system that help eradicate pathogens. Interferons are named for their ability to "interfere" with viral replication by protecting cells from virus infections.
What do interferons do?
Interferons can also combat bacterial and parasitic infections, inhibit cell division, and promote or impede the differentiation of cells. They are produced by all vertebrate animals and possibly by some invertebrates as well. Interferons are categorized as cytokines, small proteins that are involved in intercellular signaling.
Interferon References
If you want to know more about Interferon, consider exploring links below: