noun
- a protein produced by cells in response to viral infection that helps protect other cells from viruses
Usage: medical; biochemistry
Examples
- The doctor prescribed interferon therapy to treat the patient’s hepatitis C.
- White blood cells naturally produce interferon when fighting viral infections.
- Researchers are studying how interferon boosts the immune system’s response.
- The interferon treatment helped reduce the viral load in her bloodstream.
- Scientists discovered interferon in the 1950s while studying virus resistance.
- Some cancer patients receive interferon injections as part of their treatment.