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Glite Dictionary
alpha-interferon

alpha-interferon

5.2
A medicine that helps the body's defenses fight viruses and some cancers
  • noun
  • /ˈælfə ˌɪntərˈfɪrɒn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : alfa-interferón

Examples

  • Early studies with alpha-interferon produced objective response rates of up to 20%, but again, all were of short duration (<10 mo).

    Academic text (2001)

  • Many doctors prescribe alpha-interferon to treat certain types of cancer and viral infections.

  • Research shows that alpha-interferon can enhance the immune response during treatment for hepatitis.

  • Patients receiving alpha-interferon may experience side effects such as flu-like symptoms during the therapy.

Synonyms

interferon
vsalpha-interferon
  • Specialized
7 6.9

A protein cells make when infected that stops viruses from multiplying

is a specific medical form with added immune stimulation and anti cancer activity

Surface Forms

alpha-interferon singular
alpha-interferons plural

Morphology

alpha-interferon = alpha + interferon (semi-transparent) = alpha + interferon

The components 'alpha' and 'interferon' are clear, but the specific medical application and meaning is specialized.

Etymology

Alpha-interferon combines alpha and interferon: alpha means 'first' (think of the 'alpha' in 'alphabet') and interferon comes from the verb interfere, which means 'to get in the way'. So alpha-interferon is the 'first' type of a protein that 'gets in the way' of viruses and helps the immune system fight infection and cancer.