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

The team developed a way to ignite an immune reaction against tumors by stimulating a pathway within cells called stimulator of interferon genes (STING). —Health Reporter, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025

Our team is studying whether directly injecting interferon lambda before chemotherapy with nanoparticles could help limit the amount of drug that ends up in healthy tissues while increasing their concentration in tumors. —Tom Anchordoquy, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2025

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

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