Question
Biology Question on human health and disease
Interferons are synthesized in response to
A
mycoplasma
B
bacteria
C
viruses
D
fungi.
Answer
viruses
Explanation
Solution
Interferonsare a group of proteins that acts as an immune response in response to viral infection. They are released by the cells, in response to the viruses, double stranded RNA. They are the signaling molecules that help in activating the other cells, to activate against the pathogen.
These interferons are created by the infected cells that have been attacked by the viruses. The viruses infect the cells, they replicate in the cells and then the cell bursts. But before bursting interferons are released so that the immune system is activated.
There are three types of interferons:
- Type I: interferon alpha and beta
- Type II: interferon gamma
- Type III: interferon lambda
The antiviral defense induced by interferons are as follows:
- Inhibition of the viral replication
- Activation of immune cells
- Upregulation of the antiviral genes
- Modulation in the adaptive immunity