interferon

[ in-ter-feer-on ]
/ ˌɪn tərˈfɪər ɒn /

noun

Biochemistry. any of various proteins, produced by virus-infected cells, that inhibit reproduction of the invading virus and induce resistance to further infection.
Pharmacology. Also called alpha-interferon. an interferon produced by genetically engineered bacteria and harvested for use against hairy cell leukemia.

Origin of interferon

First recorded in 1957; interfere + -on1

Words nearby interferon

interference microscope, interference pattern, interferential, interferogram, interferometer, interferon, interfertile, interfibrillar, interfile, interfilling, interfinger

Example sentences from the Web for interferon

British Dictionary definitions for interferon

interferon
/ (ˌɪntəˈfɪərɒn) /

noun

biochem any of a family of proteins made by cells in response to virus infection that prevent the growth of the virus. Some interferons can prevent cell growth and have been tested for use in cancer therapy

Word Origin for interferon

C20: from interfere + -on

Medical definitions for interferon

interferon
[ ĭn′tər-fîr′ŏn′ ]

n.

Any of a group of glycoproteins that are produced by different cell types in response to various stimuli, such as exposure to viruses, and that block viral replication in newly infected cells and, in some cases, modulate specific cellular functions.

Scientific definitions for interferon

interferon
[ ĭn′tər-fîr′ŏn′ ]

Any of a group of glycoproteins that are involved in blocking viral replication in newly infected cells and are cytokines that modulate the body's immune response. Alpha interferon is used a treatment for viral hepatitis and certain cancers, such as leukemia. Beta interferon is used as a treatment for some types of multiple sclerosis.

Cultural definitions for interferon

interferon
[ (in-tuhr-feer-on) ]

A protein produced by cells after they have been exposed to a virus. Interferon prevents the virus from reproducing within the infected cells and can also induce resistance to the virus in other cells.