interferon

interferon /-fir″on/ [L, inter + ferire, to strike] , a natural glycoprotein formed by cells exposed to a virus or another foreign particle of nucleic acid. It induces the production of translation inhibitory protein (TIP) in noninfected cells. TIP blocks translation of viral RNA, thus giving other cells protection against both the original and other viruses. Interferon is species specific.

Mechanisms of action of interferon (Lewis et al, 2014)