Lexic.us

Definition of Interferon

1. Noun. An antiviral protein produced by cells that have been invaded by a virus; inhibits replication of the virus.

Definition of Interferon

1. Noun. (biochemistry) Any of a group of glycoproteins, produced by the immune system, that prevent viral replication in infected cells ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Interferon

1. [n -S]

Medical Definition of Interferon

1. A family of glycoproteins derived from human cells which normally has a role in fighting viral infections by preventing virus multiplication in cells. They are secreted by vertebrate cells in response to a wide variety of inducers and confer resistance against many different viruses, inhibit proliferation of normal and malignant cells, impede multiplication of intracellular parasites, enhance macrophage and granulocyte phagocytosis, augment natural killer cell activity, and show several other immunomodulatory functions. Interferon-alpha is made by leucocytes and interferon-gamma by fibroblasts after viral infection. Interferon-alpha and -beta are also called type I interferons, interferon-gamma as Type II interferons, more usually classed as cytokines. Pharmacological action: antineoplastic agent, antiviral agents. (20 Sep 2002)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Interferon

Literary usage of Interferon

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (1903)
"Previously, we have reported that treatment of cells with interferon ... When mouse L cells were exposed to mouse interferon (300 units/ml) for 24 hr at 37° ..."

2. Drug Abuse and Drug Abuse Research (1991): The Third Triennial Report to edited by MaryLouise Embrey, Christine R. Hartel (1999)
"In another set of recent studies, it was discovered that both morphine and beta-endorphin could suppress production of the lymphokine interferon gamma by ..."

3. Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluationsedited by Barry Leonard edited by Barry Leonard (1999)
"interferon alfa-2a (recombinant) For the concomitant administration with ... TN= Intron A interferon alfa-nl TN= Wellferon interferon beta (recombinant ..."

4. Arsenic by Assembly Of Life Sciences, National Academies Press, Assembly of Life Sciences (U.S.), National Academy of Sciences (U.S.) (1977)
"It was found somewhat unexpectedly, however, that, although high concentrations of arsenite inhibited the action of exogenous mouse interferon added to ..."

Other Resources: