A group of proteins produced by cells in response to viral infections that help coordinate the immune response and inhibit viral replication.
Coined in 1957 from 'interfere' (from Latin 'inter-' meaning 'between' and 'ferire' meaning 'to strike') plus the suffix '-on' used in biochemistry. Named because these proteins 'interfere' with viral reproduction.
Interferon was one of the first antiviral drugs and earned its discoverers the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1957. Interestingly, the body's interferon response is what causes many flu-like symptoms—fever, fatigue, and aches—so when you feel sick with a virus, you're actually feeling your immune system's interferon at work!
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