Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

21. The Immune System

First-Line Defenses: Chemical Barriers

Anatomy & Physiology

21. The Immune System

First-Line Defenses: Chemical Barriers

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2:59 minutes

Problem 8

Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.
Against which of the following will interferon do some good?
a. Infection of body cells by a virus
b. Circulating free viruses
c. Some types of cancer
d. Bacterial infection

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the role of interferons. Interferons are proteins produced by cells in response to viral infections or other stressors. They help inhibit viral replication within infected cells and activate immune responses, including enhancing the activity of natural killer cells and macrophages.

Step 2: Analyze option (a). Interferons are effective against infection of body cells by a virus because they prevent the virus from replicating within the cells and signal neighboring cells to heighten their antiviral defenses.

Step 3: Analyze option (b). Interferons are not directly effective against circulating free viruses because they primarily act on infected cells and the immune system rather than neutralizing viruses outside of cells.

Step 4: Analyze option (c). Interferons can be beneficial against some types of cancer because they enhance the immune system's ability to detect and destroy abnormal cells, including cancerous ones.

Step 5: Analyze option (d). Interferons are generally not effective against bacterial infections because their primary function is to combat viral infections and modulate immune responses rather than directly targeting bacteria.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Interferon

Interferon is a type of protein produced by the body in response to viral infections. It plays a crucial role in the immune response by signaling neighboring cells to enhance their antiviral defenses and by activating immune cells. Interferons are also used therapeutically to treat certain viral infections and cancers.

Viral Infections

Viral infections occur when viruses invade and replicate within host cells, leading to cell damage or death. The immune system responds to these infections through various mechanisms, including the production of interferons, which help to limit the spread of the virus and activate immune responses against infected cells.

Cancer and Interferon Therapy

Some types of cancer can be treated with interferon therapy, which harnesses the immune system to fight cancer cells. Interferons can inhibit tumor growth, enhance the immune response against cancer cells, and improve the effectiveness of other treatments. This approach is particularly relevant for certain hematological malignancies and solid tumors.