Definitions

1. noun

Any of a group of proteins that are produced by the body in response to the presence of a virus, and that can inhibit viral replication.

“The doctor prescribed an interferon treatment to help the patient recover from the flu.”

2. noun

A protein that is produced by cells in response to viral infection, and that inhibits viral replication and prevents the virus from entering host cells.

“Interferons are an important component of the body’s immune response to viral infections.”