interferon

noun

in·​ter·​fer·​on ˌin-tər-ˈfir-ˌän 

ˌin-tə-

: any of a group of heat-stable soluble basic antiviral glycoprotein cytokines of low molecular weight that are produced by cells exposed usually to the action of a virus, sometimes to the action of another intracellular parasite (such as a bacterium), or experimentally to the action of some chemicals

Examples of interferon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After undergoing chemo and radiation, the patients received three courses of the injection every two weeks, along with weekly injections of a pegylated interferon medication (a type of protein that helps regulate the immune system). —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025

The idea that a powerful interferon response may help people suppress COVID is unlikely to surprise immunologists. —Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 3 July 2024

Interferon Injection An interferon injection helps the body fight off viral infections, including HPV. —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 6 May 2025

The insulin, interferon, and recombinant non-glycosylated protein biosimilars segment is also forecasted to grow at a 12.8% CAGR from 2023 to 2032. —Avik Pal, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

interfere + -on entry 2

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing interferon

• alpha interferon
• beta interferon
• gamma interferon
• interferon alpha
• interferon beta
• interferon gamma

Kids Definition

interferon

noun

in·​ter·​fer·​on ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfi(ə)r-ˌän 

: any of a group of proteins produced by cells that keep viruses attacking the cells from multiplying

Medical Definition

interferon

noun

in·​ter·​fer·​on ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfi(ə)r-ˌän 

: any of a group of heat-stable soluble basic antiviral glycoproteins of low molecular weight that are produced usually by cells exposed to the action of a virus, sometimes to the action of another intracellular parasite (as a bacterium), or experimentally to the action of some chemicals, and that include some used medically as antiviral or antineoplastic agents see alpha interferon, beta interferon, gamma interferon