Interferons

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-005950",
  "term": "Interferons",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A family of signaling proteins, glycosylated cytokines released by cells that detect infection by viruses or other pathogens. They prompt neighboring cells to switch on antiviral defenses that block viral replication, and they modulate immune responses. Three types are recognized: type I (IFN-alpha and IFN-beta), type II (IFN-gamma) and type III (IFN-lambda).",
  "subject": "Chemistry and the Environment",
  "see_also": [
    "glycopeptides"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1992, 64, 143. 'Glossary for chemists of terms used in biotechnology (IUPAC Recommendations 1992)' on page 158 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199264010143)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/interferons/"
}