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Interferons are small polypeptides produced mainly by virus-infected cells. The main functions are of interferon is to interact with uninfected cells and render them resistant to infection by increasing the production of enzymes that digest viral nucleic acids. The interferon can then also cause an increase in MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) Class I and II expression on all cells, so if they are infected, the immune system can recognise the infection and take further steps of limiting viral replication. An example is the lysis of the infected cell by [[T cells|cytotoxic T lymphocytes]], or the induction of apoptosis by [[Natural Killer cells|Natural Killer Cells]].  

Interferons are small polypeptides produced mainly by virus-infected cells. The main functions are of interferon is to interact with uninfected cells and render them resistant to infection by increasing the production of enzymes that digest viral nucleic acids. The interferon can then also cause an increase in MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) Class I and II expression on all cells, so if they are infected, the immune system can recognise the infection and take further steps of limiting viral replication. An example is the lysis of the infected cell by [[T cells|cytotoxic T lymphocytes]], or the induction of apoptosis by [[Natural Killer cells|Natural Killer Cells]]. It is for this reason, as well as being a chemoattractant and causing the further release of other cytokines, that interferon is a potent initiator of the immune response.

{{Jim Bee 2007}}

{{Jim Bee 2007}}

[[Category:Innate Immune System|B]]

[[Category:Innate Immune System|B]]