Question

Write a short note on Interferons.

Answer 1

Interferons are virus-induced proteins produced by cells infected with viruses and were first discovered in 1957 by scientists Alick Isaacs and Jean Lindermann. They act as the body’s first line of defense against viruses, including important ones like hepatitis and influenza. Interferons are species-specific and primarily function by interfering with the replication of viruses within host cells. When a cell is infected by a virus, it produces and releases interferon, which then interacts with neighboring cells, making them resistant to viral infection. The antiviral effect is achieved by inducing changes in these cells that inhibit viral protein synthesis, RNA transcription, and sometimes virus assembly and release.