Question

Besides active virus attacks, which of the following can trigger interferon production?

Options

• Inactivated viruses, double-stranded RNA, and bacterial endotoxins

• Only bacterial infections and parasitic worms

• Only fungal infections and allergens

• Only cold temperatures and physical stress

Answer 1

While primarily stimulated by active virus attacks, interferon production can also be triggered by inactivated viruses, double-stranded RNA, man-made double-stranded oligonucleotides, and bacterial endotoxins. These alternative triggers allow the immune system to mount antiviral defences even without active viral replication.