Interferon

noun
  1. A group of signaling proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of several viruses. Interferons are part of the non-specific immune response and help to inhibit viral replication within host cells. noun
    The doctor explained that interferon therapy could help boost the patient's immune response to the virus.
    Researchers are studying how interferons can be used to treat various viral infections.
  2. A type of cytokine that plays a critical role in the immune response by interfering with viral replication and activating immune cells. noun
    Interferons are crucial in the body's defense mechanism against viral infections.
    The production of interferons is one of the body's first responses to a viral invasion.