What are interferons? Discuss their roles in innate immunity.

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1. Interferons are a group of signaling proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of several pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and also tumor cells.
2. They are part of the larger class of proteins known as cytokines, which are crucial in cell signaling.
3. In the context of innate immunity, interferons play a critical role by interfering with viral replication within host cells.
4. Interferons activate immune cells, such as natural killer cells and macrophages, and increase host defenses by upregulating antigen presentation to T lymphocytes.
5. They also enhance the ability of uninfected cells to resist new viral infections by inducing the expression of antiviral proteins.

Key Concepts

Interferons

Interferons are a group of signaling proteins produced by host cells in response to viral infections and other pathogens. They play a crucial role in the immune response by signaling neighboring cells to enhance their antiviral defenses and activating immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells.

Innate Immunity

Innate immunity is the body's first line of defense against pathogens, providing a rapid and non-specific response. It includes physical barriers like skin, as well as immune cells and proteins that recognize and respond to common features of pathogens, such as interferons, which help to limit the spread of infections.

Cytokines

Cytokines are small proteins released by cells that have a specific effect on the interactions and communications between cells in the immune system. Interferons are a type of cytokine that play a vital role in mediating the immune response, particularly in enhancing the antiviral state of cells and modulating the activity of immune cells.