Definition

Interferons are a group of proteins called cytokines produced by white blood cells, fibroblasts, or T-cells as part of an immune response to a viral infection or other immune trigger. The name of the proteins comes from their ability to interfere with the production of new virus particles.

Purpose

Interferons affect the immune system in a number of ways. For example, interferon beta can enhance the activity of lymphocyte cells while simultaneously inhibiting other immune cells from becoming stimulated. Additionally, interferon beta regulates the production of interferon gamma. Interferons can also inhibit viruses from establishing an infection inside human cells. Interferon alfa displays anti-tumor activity.

The exact molecular details of how interferons act is still unclear. They may make surface-exposed antigens of tumors even more capable of stimulating the immune system, which in turn would...