ALPHA INTERFERON

Interferons (IFNs) are natural proteins produced by the cells of the immune system of most vertebrates in response to challenges by foreign agents such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and tumor cells. Interferons belong to the large class of glycoproteins known as cytokines. Interferons assist the immune response by inhibiting viral replication within other cells of the body.
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Human type I interferons comprise a vast and growing group of IFN proteins. All type I IFNs bind to a specific cell surface receptor complex known as the IFN-α receptor (IFNAR) that consists of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 chains.Homologous molecules to type I IFNs are found in many species, including most mammals, and some have been identified in birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish species.
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Noun
1. a form of interferon that is produced endogenously and commercially for its pharmacological effects (including regulation of the immune system and antiviral and antineoplastic effects)
(hypernym) interferon

The interferons are specialized proteins (lymphokines) produced by the body in response to an infection. these substances interfere with cell infection. There are 3 main classes of interferon, alpha, beta, and gamma.