Interferon
A)forms a membrane-attack complex
B)causes lysis of invading microbes
C)nonspecifically defends against viruses
D)stimulates histamine release from mast cells
E)is secreted by lymphoid tissues

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Interferon is a nonspecific defense mechanism against viruses. It is produced and secreted by cells in response to viral infections, and it helps to prevent the spread of the virus to neighboring cells. However, it does not directly cause lysis of invading microbes or form a membrane-attack complex (choices A and B). It also does not stimulate histamine release from mast cells (choice D) or come exclusively from lymphoid tissue (choice E).