IMMUNOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The interferon system is the first line of defense against viral infection in mammals. This system is designed to block the spread of virus infection in the body, sometimes at the expense of accelerating the death of the infected cells.

Detailed explanation-2: -Interferons (IFNs) are among the first vertebrate immune pathways activated upon viral infection and are crucial for control of viral replication and dissemination, especially at mucosal surfaces as key locations for host exposure to pathogens.

Detailed explanation-3: -While continuous IFN-I signaling plays critical roles in limiting virus replication during both acute and chronic infections, sustained IFN-I signaling also leads to chronic immune activation, inflammation and, consequently, immune exhaustion and dysfunction.