American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test 2026 - Free Surgery Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary function of interferon (INF) in the immune response is its role in antiviral activity, particularly released by lymphocytes during viral infections. Interferons are a group of signaling proteins that are produced and released by host cells in response to the presence of viruses. They help to establish an antiviral state in neighboring cells, making them more resistant to viral infections. This process is crucial in the early stages of an immune response, as it helps to control viral replication and spread.

When a cell becomes infected with a virus, it can produce interferons, which then bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells. This binding leads to the activation of various genes that inhibit viral replication and enhance the immune system's response to the infection. By doing so, interferons play a key role in the communication between cells, helping to coordinate the immune response against viruses effectively.