Question

Interferons are synthesized in response to

• A. mycoplasma
• B. bacteria
• C. viruses
• D. fungi.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Interferons are a group of proteins that acts as an immune response in response to viral infection. They are released by the cells, in response to the viruses, double stranded RNA. They are the signaling molecules that help in activating the other cells, to activate against the pathogen.

These interferons are created by the infected cells that have been attacked by the viruses. The viruses infect the cells, they replicate in the cells and then the cell bursts. But before bursting interferons are released so that the immune system is activated. 

There are three types of interferons:

• Type I: interferon alpha and beta
• Type II: interferon gamma 
• Type III: interferon lambda 

The antiviral defense induced by interferons are as follows:

• Inhibition of the viral replication 
• Activation of immune cells 
• Upregulation of the antiviral genes 
• Modulation in the adaptive immunity

Answer 2

The Correct Answer is (C)

Real Life Applications

The real-life application of interferons are as follows: 

• Interferons are highly produced during viral infections. They help in the process of curing during the infection as they do not allow the virus to replicate.
• Some types of cancers like leukemia can also be treated ( or reduced) with the help of interferons. This is because they help in the stimulation of the immune system.
• During organ transplantation, the chances of rejection can be reduced by using interferons. Then they will suppress the immune system of the recipient.

Question can also be asked as

• What triggers the synthesis of interferons?
• How are interferons stimulated?
• What are the mechanisms that induce interferon production?

Answer 3

Interferons are the group of signaling proteins that helps in the activation of the immune response in response to the viral protein. They are called interferons as they interfere with the replication of the viral particles. They are secreted by the infected cells. There are three types of interferons:

Type I: Type I interferons are produced by the virus infected cells or the cells that are exposed to the double stranded RNA. The antiviral state is activated by the neighboring cells that will further lead to the expression of the antiviral genes and thus will stop the spreading of virus. 

Type II: The type II interferons are secreted by the immune cells like NK cells, T cells in response to the immune stimuli. The signaling involved in the secretion is antigen presenting cells and the cytokines signaling. They help in enhancing the immune response. 

Type III: These interferons are secreted by cells like immune cells, epithelium cells etc. They also induce the antiviral state of the cells nearby.  

The function of interferons are as follows: 

• Antiviral activity
• Activation of immune cells
• Modulation in the immune response 
• Anti proliferative effects 

Read more:

Related articles
Blood	Proteins	Infections
Cytokines	Bone marrow	HIV and AIDS