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

"Our experiments show how critical and effective a rapid interferon response is in controlling rhinovirus infection, even without any cells of the immune system present," says first author Bao Wang of Yale School of Medicine.

From Science Daily • Jan. 22, 2026

In a good response, less than 1% of the cells get infected, because the body quickly produces a protein called interferon to block the entry and replication of viruses.

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

Scientists have been exploring ways to stimulate a pathway known as STING, short for stimulator of interferon genes.

From Science Daily • Nov. 22, 2025

Researchers were able to use these findings to also make several associations between these interferon combinations and lupus symptoms.

From Science Daily • May 13, 2024