Interferons

Interferons are proteins which bring about a nonspecific and nonimmunological defence reaction against virus infections in vertebrates. Interferon formation is induced in vivo and in vitro by viruses and other agents, e.g. endotoxins, nucleic acids, synthetic anionic copolymers, and phytohemagglutinins. All attempts to produce pure interferons have so far been unsuccessful. Interferons can only exert an antiviral action when the cellular RNA and protein synthesis is intact.