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alpha interferon
noun
: an interferon produced by white blood cells that inhibits viral replication, suppresses cell proliferation, and regulates immune response and that is used in a form obtained from recombinant DNA to treat various diseases compare beta interferon, gamma interferon
Examples of alpha interferon in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An early drug that the company had developed, alpha interferon, was a disappointment, Sato recalls.
—Scott Kirsner, BostonGlobe.com, 18 May 2018
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Word History
First Known Use
1980, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near alpha interferon
Cite this Entry
“Alpha interferon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpha%20interferon. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
alpha interferon
noun
: an interferon produced by various white blood cells that inhibits viral replication, suppresses cell proliferation, and regulates immune response and that is used in a form obtained from recombinant DNA to treat hairy cell leukemia, AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, condylomata acuminata, and certain chronic hepatitides
called also interferon alpha
compare beta interferon, gamma interferonMore from Merriam-Webster on alpha interferon
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alpha interferon
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