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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of interferon

First recorded in 1957; interfere + -on ¹

Example Sentences

For almost a year, Steve was given a debilitating treatment, Interferon, to try to eliminate the virus from his body.

From BBC • May 18, 2024

Interferon is known to promote chronic inflammation, a process that underlies many chronic diseases and age-related conditions and has become a tantalizing target for therapies aimed at reducing inflammation.

From Science Daily • Nov. 3, 2023

Interferon gamma, Chen noted, is a "super important molecule" that helps damage viruses and virally-infected cells.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2023

Interferon is also used as a drug to treat some diseases including cancer and was tested as a treatment for Covid patients.

From New York Times • May 17, 2022

Interferon molecules come in several types, so it’s possible these patients could be treated with another flavor of interferon, Brodin said.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 17, 2020