interferon
noun
in·ter·fer·on
ˌin-tər-ˈfir-ˌän 
ˌin-tə-
: any of a group of heat-stable soluble basic antiviral glycoprotein cytokines of low molecular weight that are produced by cells exposed usually to the action of a virus, sometimes to the action of another intracellular parasite (such as a bacterium), or experimentally to the action of some chemicals
Examples of interferon in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Twelve months after starting hormone therapy, the participants showed a decrease in an immune response involving a protein called type I interferon, which the body uses to fight off viral infections.
—
Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2024
While that potential mechanism has not been thoroughly proven, researchers have found evidence that interferon activity may shift among people who experience flares following the COVID-19 vaccine.
—Markham Heid, TIME, 8 Aug. 2024
Researchers found that in patients with lupus there is too much of a protein called interferon, which helps regulate the body’s response to bacteria or environmental pollutants.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 July 2024
In an email, Choi said lupus patients had too much of a protein called interferon, which helps fight infection, and not enough aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) proteins, which regulate the body’s response to infection.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 12 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for interferon 
Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2024
While that potential mechanism has not been thoroughly proven, researchers have found evidence that interferon activity may shift among people who experience flares following the COVID-19 vaccine.
—Markham Heid, TIME, 8 Aug. 2024
Researchers found that in patients with lupus there is too much of a protein called interferon, which helps regulate the body’s response to bacteria or environmental pollutants.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 July 2024
In an email, Choi said lupus patients had too much of a protein called interferon, which helps fight infection, and not enough aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) proteins, which regulate the body’s response to infection.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 12 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for interferon
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interferon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Interferon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interferon. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interferon
noun
in·ter·fer·on
ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfi(ə)r-ˌän
: any of a group of proteins produced by cells that keep viruses attacking the cells from multiplying
Medical Definition
interferon
noun
in·ter·fer·on
ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfi(ə)r-ˌän
: any of a group of heat-stable soluble basic antiviral glycoproteins of low molecular weight that are produced usually by cells exposed to the action of a virus, sometimes to the action of another intracellular parasite (as a bacterium), or experimentally to the action of some chemicals, and that include some used medically as antiviral or antineoplastic agents see alpha interferon, beta interferon, gamma interferon
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