Virus-infected cells secrete a class of proteins called ________ that play a key role in body defense.
A)interferon
B)cytokines
C)antigens
D)interleukin-4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Virus-infected cells secrete interferons, which are proteins that stimulate nearby cells to produce antiviral proteins, restricting the spread of the virus. Interferons also activate immune cells, such as natural killer cells and macrophages, to attack and destroy the infected cells. Cytokines are a broader category of proteins involved in signaling between cells, and while they may play a role in immune defense, interferons are more specifically associated with antiviral defense. Antigens are molecules that elicit an immune response, and interleukin-4 is a cytokine involved in immune regulation. Therefore, the best choice is A, interferon.

Virus-Infected Cells Secrete a Class of Proteins Called ________ That