Question

Interferons are

• A. Protein products of macrophages which destroy microbes
• B. Allergens
• C. Antibody molecule
• D. Proteins secreted by virus infected cells which protect non-infected cells from further viral infection

Answer 1

The correct option is D Proteins secreted by virus infected cells which protect non-infected cells from further viral infection

• When the immune system is activated due to the viral infection or other immune response the white blood cells and virus infected cells in our body secretes Interferons (are a group of proteins called cytokines).Interferons suppress the viral multiplication and protect non infected cells from further infection.
  
• The name of the interferons comes from their ability to interfere with the production of new virus particles. Interferons do not directly kill viral or cancerous cells; they boost the immune system response and reduce the growth of cancer cells by regulating the activity of several genes that control the secretion of numerous cellular proteins that affect growth.
  
• Hence Interferons are proteins secreted by virus-infected cells which protect non-infected cells from further viral infection.
• So, the correct answer is 'Proteins secreted by virus-infected cells which protect non-infected cells from further viral infection'.