# interferon

/ˌɪntɝˈfɛɹɑn/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/interferon
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a protein made by your body to help fight viruses and other germs. Doctors sometimes use it as a medicine to treat certain diseases.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.