| Pronunciation: | | `intur'feerân
|
|
|
|   |
WordNet Dictionary |
| |
| | Definition: | |
[n] an antiviral protein produced by cells that have been invaded by a virus; inhibits replication of the virus |
|   |
INTERFERON is a 10 letter word that starts with I. |
| | See Also: | | antiviral, antiviral agent |
|
Medical Dictionary |
| |
| | Definition: | | a biological response modifier that stimulates the growth of certain disease-fighting blood cells in the immune system; used to treat cancer and other diseases. |
|   |
Biology Dictionary |
| |
| | Definition: | | Any of several glycoproteins that help the body fight off viral infections. During a viral invasion, infected cells produce three kinds of interferon (alpha, beta, and gamma) which circulate in the blood stream and help make uninfected cells immune to the attack. Interferon was discovered in 1957 by Alick Isaacs. |
|   |
Glossary |
| |
| | Definition: | | A family of small proteins that stimulate viral resistance in cells. |
|   |