Interferon

High school (ages 12+)
Human Body

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/interferon

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. Who discovered Interferon?1957
2. What is the discoverers?Alick Isaacs and Jean Lindenmann
3. What is the primary function?Signaling proteins that interfere with viral replication and activate immune responses
4. What are interferons and why are they important?Interferons are tiny proteins that help the body fight viruses. They are released by infected cells and tell nearby cells to become stronger against viruses.
5. How do interferons stop viruses from spreading?Interferons turn on special genes that make proteins blocking virus steps like entering cells, copying their RNA, or making new virus particles. They can also stop the cell from making new proteins.

Cytokines: Signaling molecules that mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation between cells.
Innate Immune System: The body's non-specific, rapid defense system present from birth.
Adaptive Immunity: The body's specific defense system that learns and remembers pathogens for future encounters.