Question

Interferons are cytokines, members of a family of cell-regulatory proteins produced by all vertebrates. There are three types of interferon: alpha, beta, and gamma. Alpha and beta interferons are very similar, and are encoded on chromosome 9. What are the most important inducers of interferon alpha and beta?

Mast cells
Eosinophils
Dendritic cells
NK cells
Viruses

Answer 1

Viruses are the primary inducers of interferon alpha and beta, which are cytokines that play a critical role in antiviral defense by alerting neighboring cells and initiating an immune response.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important inducers of interferon alpha and beta are viruses. These interferons are types of cytokines that are part of the immune response to viral infections. Cells infected with viruses secrete interferons that warn neighboring uninfected cells.

The interferons prompt these cells to produce substances that inhibit viral replication. They also activate immune cells like macrophages, enhance tumor surveillance, and may signal infected cells to undergo apoptosis.