What is a function of IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ?

What is a function of IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ?

• A. Antiviral
• B. Pro-viral
• C. Induces fever
• D. Stimulates neutrophil production

Answer: (A)

Interferons prompt cells to enter an antiviral state and to boost immune system signaling. When released in response to viral infection, they act on neighboring cells to upregulate enzymes like PKR and RNase L that shut down viral RNA and protein synthesis, helping prevent viral replication. They also increase MHC class I expression to improve detection of infected cells by CD8+ T cells. While IFN-α and IFN-β are type I interferons produced broadly by many cells, IFN-γ is type II and mainly activates macrophages and enhances antigen presentation. Fever results from other pyrogenic cytokines, not the primary role of interferons, and neutrophil production is driven by growth factors like G-CSF. So the main function of these interferons is antiviral activity.

Interferons prompt cells to enter an antiviral state and to boost immune system signaling. When released in response to viral infection, they act on neighboring cells to upregulate enzymes like PKR and RNase L that shut down viral RNA and protein synthesis, helping prevent viral replication. They also increase MHC class I expression to improve detection of infected cells by CD8+ T cells. While IFN-α and IFN-β are type I interferons produced broadly by many cells, IFN-γ is type II and mainly activates macrophages and enhances antigen presentation. Fever results from other pyrogenic cytokines, not the primary role of interferons, and neutrophil production is driven by growth factors like G-CSF. So the main function of these interferons is antiviral activity.