IMMUNOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Interferons act via autocrine and paracrine pathways to induce an antiviral state in infected cells and in neighboring cells containing interferon receptors. Interferons are the frontline defenders against viral infection and their primary function is to locally restrict viral propagation.

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -Abstract. Interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines, or protein hormones, which modulate the immune response and provide resistance to viral infection.

Detailed explanation-4: -Interferons also have immunoregulatory functions-they inhibit B-lymphocyte (B-cell) activation, enhance T-lymphocyte (T-cell) activity, and increase the cellular-destruction capability of natural killer cells.

Detailed explanation-5: -Interferons (IFNs)-the body’s first line of antiviral defence-are cytokines that are secreted by host cells in response to virus infection. By inducing the expression of hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes, several of which have antiviral functions, IFNs block virus replication at many levels.

Detailed explanation-6: -Examples of pure interferon substances are: interferon alfa-2a. interferon alfa-2b. interferon beta-1a.

Detailed explanation-7: -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.