The Role of Interferons in the Antiviral Response: Signaling Proteins that Activate Immune Defense Against Viruses

QUIZ QUESTION: The molecules that bind to receptors on cells and activate the antiviral state are ___________________.

The molecules that bind to receptors on cells and activate the antiviral state are called interferons

The molecules that bind to receptors on cells and activate the antiviral state are called interferons.

Interferons are a group of signaling proteins that are produced and released by cells in response to viral infections, as well as other pathogens and immune stimuli. They play a critical role in the body’s innate immune response against viruses.

When a cell is infected by a virus, it recognizes the presence of viral components or viral replication intermediates. This triggers a signaling cascade that leads to the production and release of interferons. Once released, interferons bind to specific receptors on neighboring uninfected cells, triggering a series of biochemical changes within those cells.

The binding of interferons to their receptors activates various antiviral mechanisms within the receiving cells. These mechanisms include the induction of hundreds of antiviral genes, which inhibit viral replication and the spread of infection. Additionally, interferons enhance the activity of natural killer cells and other immune cells, promoting the elimination of infected cells.

Interferons are an essential part of the immune response against viral infections and play a crucial role in limiting the spread of viruses within the body. They represent an innate defense mechanism that acts rapidly upon infection, providing early protection even before the adaptive immune response kicks in.

It is worth noting that there are different types of interferons, including interferon-alpha, interferon-beta, and interferon-gamma. Each type has a specific range of actions and target cell types, but they all contribute to the antiviral state by exerting inhibitory effects on viral replication and enhancing immune responses against infected cells.

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