interferon
n. C / U C1 Advanced US //ˌɪntɝˈfɛɹɑn// in·ter·fer·on
n. a protein made by your body to help fight viruses and other germs. Doctors sometimes use it as a medicine to treat certain diseases.
n. a group of signaling proteins produced and released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, or tumor cells.
The doctor prescribed interferon to help treat the patient's infection.
Researchers are studying how interferon can be used to boost the immune system's response to chronic viral infections.
While interferon is a natural defense mechanism, its therapeutic application requires careful monitoring because it can cause significant side effects, including flu-like symptoms and fatigue.