interferon

[ in-ter-feer-on ]

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 al·pha-in·ter·fer·on [al, -f, uh, -in-ter-, feer, -on]. Pharmacology. an interferon produced by genetically engineered bacteria and harvested for use against hairy cell leukemia.

interferon

/ 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

interferon

/ 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.

interferon

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of interferon¹

First recorded in 1957; interfere + -on ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of interferon¹

C20: from interfere + -on

Example Sentences

In other people with severe disease, however, the body’s own immune responses disable interferons, a second study published online in Science the same day finds.

From Science News

On the other hand, patients who produce antibodies against interferon shouldn’t donate blood products for treating other patients.

From Fortune

Rhinovirus infections turned up activity of genes involved in the interferon response, preventing flu viruses from replicating in rhinovirus-infected cells, the researchers found.

From Science News

You’ve noted that interferons, molecules that help control the immune system, could make up other potential treatments.

From Nautilus

The findings suggest that bolstering the body’s first line of defense against the virus using drugs known as interferons may help prevent severe illness.

From Science News

Or the time he smuggled the interferon through customs in a smoking briefcase full of dry ice.

From The Daily Beast