Question

What type of cellular response do interferons trigger in healthy cells to prevent viral infection?

Options

• Immediate apoptosis of all infected cells

• An 'antiviral state' that inhibits viral protein synthesis and viral RNA transcription

• Production of antibodies against the virus

• Activation of complement cascade

Answer 1

Interferons bring about an 'antiviral state' by triggering specific cellular changes in healthy cells. These changes inhibit essential viral processes, specifically viral protein synthesis and viral RNA transcription, preventing the virus from establishing infection.