What is the function of interferons in the context of viral infections?

Interferons play a crucial role in the immune response to viral infections by primarily inhibiting viral replication and activating various components of the immune system. When cells are infected by viruses, they release interferons, which serve to signal neighboring uninfected cells to enter an antiviral state. This process can impede viral replication by inducing the expression of enzymes that degrade viral RNA and by enhancing the activity of immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages. These immune cells are essential for controlling and eliminating viral infections.

Moreover, interferons can also promote the production of specific proteins, known as interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), which further enhance the cellular response to viruses. The overall effect is to create an environment that is hostile to the virus, limit its spread, and facilitate the coordination of a more robust immune response to clear the infection.

While direct cell lysis is not a primary function of interferons, they do contribute to the overall immune response that can lead to the elimination of infected cells. However, they do not directly produce antibodies, which are a function of B cells in the adaptive immune response, rather than an action performed by interferons themselves.