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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An early drug that the company had developed, alpha interferon, was a disappointment, Sato recalls. Scott Kirsner, BostonGlobe.com, 18 May 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alpha interferon was in 1980

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 21 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 interferon

More from Merriam-Webster on alpha interferon

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!