Infected cells release interferon in order to protect other cells from infection.

Question

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Interferon is a type of cytokine that is released by cells that have been infected with a virus or other pathogen. Interferon signals to other cells in the vicinity that they should activate antiviral defenses in order to protect themselves against the invading pathogen. Interferon is an important part of the innate immune response to viral infections.

Infected Cells Release Interferon in Order to Protect Other Cells