interferon
- noun
- /ˌɪntərˈfɪrɒn/
- Specialized
- Interferon is a protein that helps the body fight off viral infections by inhibiting interferon replication.
- interferon-gamma
- interferon-alpha
- interferon therapy
Examples
-
The most important discovery so far is that a molecule called gamma-interferon seems to activate specialized blood cells called macrophages.
Academic text (1994) -
Until the end of 2001, the maintenance therapy was interferon injected subcutaneously three times a week.
Blog text (3) -
If you did not have a good interferon response early on, that would lead to severe disease in almost all of those cases.
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However, her disease continued to progress on the interferon therapy.
Academic text (1996) -
Because gamma interferon influences the immune system but also influences the central nervous system.
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Later, it was stated that the drug was a form of interferon alfa given orally in very low doses.
Academic text (1993) -
Interferons: Natural interferon is a protein produced by the body's cells in response to viral infections.
Academic text (2005) -
Chemotherapy or interferon alpha, with or without radiation, has also been used successfully for patients with unresectable tumors.
Academic text (2007) -
Warnings and use cautions for interferons include, but are not limited to, preexisting cardiovascular disease.
Academic text (2005) -
Pharmacological therapy with corticosteroids or interferon-alpha-2a is indicated for lesions that threaten vital function or are grossly deforming (1).
Academic text (2015)
Compounds
- Specialized
A medicine from a protein that helps the immune system fight viruses, used to treat multiple sclerosis
- Specialized
A medicine that helps the body's defenses fight viruses and some cancers
- Specialized
A protein made by certain white blood cells that activates cells that eat germs to fight infections
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Interferon comes from the verb interfere, which means 'to come between', plus the protein ending -on. A helpful image is that interferon 'comes between' viruses and healthy cells to stop the virus from copying, so it is a protein cells make to fight infection.