interferon
noun
- group of proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˌɪn.təˈfɪːˌɒn/ / /ˌɪn.təɹˈfɪɹˌɑn/ / /ˌɪn.təɹˈfɪɹˌɒn/
noun
Etymology: From interfere + -on (suffix: chemical compound), from its role interfering with viral replication.
- Any of a group of glycoproteins, produced by the immune system, that prevent viral replication in infected cells.