What is the role of interferon in defense against disease?
A) protects cells that have not yet been infected by viruses
B) activates the inflammatory process
C) activates the complement mechanism
D) protects cells that have not yet been infected by bacteria

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Interferon is a type of signaling protein that is released by cells in response to viral infections. Its role is to protect neighboring uninfected cells by inducing a cellular antiviral state, preventing viral replication and spread to nearby cells. Thus, option A is the correct choice. Interferon has no role in activating the inflammatory process (option B) or complement mechanism (option C). Option D is not correct, as interferon specifically targets viruses, not bacteria.

What Is the Role of Interferon in Defense Against Disease