Tag: biotechnology

Interferons (IFNs) belong to the large class of proteins known as cytokines, molecules used for communication between cells to trigger the protective defences of the immune system that help eradicate pathogens. Interferons are named for their ability to interfere with viral replication by protecting cells from virus infections. 

• When the immune system is activated due to the viral infection or other immune response the white blood cells in our body produces Interferons (are a group of proteins called cytokines).
• 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 Interferon is the protein that protects unattacked cells from viruses.
• So, the correct answer is 'Protects unattacked cells from virus'.
  

• The first interferon was discovered in 1957 by Alick Isaacs and Jean Lindenmann. During their investigation, the two scientists found that virus-infected cells secrete a special protein that causes both infected and noninfected cells to produce other proteins that prevent viruses from replicating. Hence interferons were discovered by Isaac and Lindemann.
• So, the correct answer is 'Isaac and Lindemann'.

Interferons (IFNs) are a group of signalling proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of several viruses. A virus-infected cell will release interferons causing nearby cells to heighten their anti-viral defences. Interferons are named for their ability to "interfere" with viral replication (multiplication) by protecting cells from virus infections. Hence, interferons are used in the treatment of viral infections such as influenza. Influenza, commonly known as the flu is an infectious disease caused by an influenza virus.

Interferons are a group of proteins called cytokines, produced by animal white blood cells, fibroblasts or T-cells as part of the immune response to a viral infection or other immune trigger. The name of proteins comes from their ability to interfere with the replication 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 action of several genes that control the secretion of numerous cellular proteins that affect the growth.
The virus infected cells secrete a special protein that causes both infected and non infected cells, to produce other proteins that prevent viruses from replicating and protecting the non infected cells.
So the correct option is 'All of the above'.

Interferons are proteinaceous in nature. These are released by the virally infected and dying cells as a response to the attack. Interferons are named for their ability to interfere with viral replication by protecting cells from virus infections. It induces antiviral mechanism in the neighbouring cells. 

• Lymphokines are a typer of cytokines which are secreted by the lymphocytes (immune cell).
• They are a type of small proteins secreted by cells of the immune system that helps in signalling and effects the behaviour of the neighbouring cells.
• Lymphokines attract the other cells of the immune system such as macrophages and other lymphocytes to an infected site and activate them to prepare for an immune response. 
• They are secreted by the T-lymphocytes.
• Lymphokines help the B- lymphocyte cells to produce antibodies.
• Interferon is a lymphokine secreted by the T-lymphocytes which are responsible for innate and adaptive immunity against viruses, few bacteria and protozoa.
• It is known as Interferon-gamma (IFNγ).
• It inhibits viral replication by its immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory effects.
  
• So, the correct answer is 'Interferon'.