answersLogoWhite

0

An interferon is a chemical message made by a virus infected cell or sometimes made by that cell in response another type of intracellular parasite. They are even produced by tumor cells.
They are also called cytokines which are also produced by white blood cells, fibroblasts, or T-cells as a part of an immune response.

They are used for communication between cells to trigger the protective defenses of the immune system that help eradicate pathogens.

They activate immune cells, such as natural killer cells and macrophages and they increase host defenses by up-regulating antigen presentation by virtue of increasing the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens.
This upgrading of MHC is like a tune up of the immune system.
Interferons were first described in 1957 by Alick Isaacs and Jean Lindenmann in the UK.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Which of these is the best definition for interferon?

a chemical produced by the body to fight viral infections


What has the author Toine Pieters written?

Toine Pieters has written: 'Interferon' -- subject- s -: History, Interferon, Interferon industry


Do fibroblast cells produce interferon-gamma?

Fibroblast cells do produce interferon-gamma. IFNy is a member interferon type II class. Earlier on, IFNy was called as the immune interferon.


What is the best term for interferon?

substances produced to help body cells resist viruses.


What type of medication is pegylated interferon?

The Pegylated interferon treats chronic hepatitis. Pegylated interferon, usually called peginterferon, is chemically modified from the standard interferon that treats hepatitis C and B.


How many amino acids in interferon?

Interferon is a type of protein that is made up of a chain of amino acids. The exact number of amino acids in interferon can vary depending on the specific type or subtype of interferon. However, on average, a typical interferon protein is composed of approximately 166 to 1669 amino acids.


What therapy is used to treat multiple sclerosis hepatitis c and some cancers?

Synthetic interferonsynthetic interferon


What is interferon alpha 2a?

Interferon alpha 2a is an agent that stimulates the immune system.


What are the serious ocular complications of the treatment of interferon for Hepatitis C?

ocular complications of the treatment of interferon


What does an Interferon virus do?

An Interferon virus is released by host cells as a response to pathogens which includes viruses and parasites. When something becomes infected then an Interferon is sent out as a warning of the virus to stop the transcription.


What is interferon used to treat?

Interferon therapy is used to treat a variety of diseases. The most common are multiple sclerosis, cancer, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Interferon therapy causes immunosuppression.


Is chronic pain in joints associated with interferon treatments?

Joint pain can be one of the side effects of interferon treatment.