interferon

American  

[in-ter-feer-on] / ˌɪn tərˈfɪər ɒn /

noun

1. Biochemistry. any of various proteins, produced by virus-infected cells, that inhibit reproduction of the invading virus and induce resistance to further infection.

2. Also called alpha-interferon.  Pharmacology. an interferon produced by genetically engineered bacteria and harvested for use against hairy cell leukemia.

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interferon British  

/ ˌɪntəˈfɪərɒn /

noun

1. biochem any of a family of proteins made by cells in response to virus infection that prevent the growth of the virus. Some interferons can prevent cell growth and have been tested for use in cancer therapy

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interferon Scientific  

/ ĭn′tər-fîr′ŏn′ /

1. Any of a group of glycoproteins that are involved in blocking viral replication in newly infected cells and are cytokines that modulate the body's immune response. Alpha interferon is used a treatment for viral hepatitis and certain cancers, such as leukemia. Beta interferon is used as a treatment for some types of multiple sclerosis.

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interferon Cultural  

1. A protein produced by cells after they have been exposed to a virus. Interferon prevents the virus from reproducing within the infected cells and can also induce resistance to the virus in other cells.

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Etymology

Origin of interferon

First recorded in 1957; interfere + -on ¹

Example Sentences

If interferon activity begins quickly, the infection can be contained early.

From Science Daily • Jan. 22, 2026

If you’ve had a recent viral infection, some evidence suggests the antiviral interferon response stays active, making it easier for your body to mount a quick defense against the next virus, Foxman said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

When the researchers disrupted this interferon response, the virus was able to spread and replicate more.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

"We have seen instances where the patient surprisingly didn't improve -- we wondered if certain interferon groups were involved."

From Science Daily • May 13, 2024

The team believed that two other interferon groups, interferon II and interferon III, may be to blame for these poor treatment responses.

From Science Daily • May 13, 2024