Tags: Protein.
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens such as viruses bacteria parasites or tumor cells. They allow for communication between cells to trigger the protective defenses of the immune system that eradicate pathogens or tumors.IFNs belong to the large class of glycoproteins known as cytokines. Interferons are named after their ability to interfere with viral replication within host cells.