Which of the following best describes how interferons protect healthy cells from viral infection?

• A. Interferons stimulate B cells to produce antibodies against viruses.
• B. Interferons directly destroy viral particles by enzymatic degradation.
• C. Interferons induce the production of antiviral proteins in neighboring healthy cells, inhibiting viral replication.
• D. Interferons increase the permeability of cell membranes to prevent viral entry.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that interferons are signaling proteins released by virus-infected cells to alert neighboring healthy cells about the viral threat.
2. Recognize that interferons do not directly destroy viruses or stimulate antibody production; instead, they trigger a protective response in nearby cells.
3. Learn that interferons induce the synthesis of antiviral proteins in neighboring healthy cells, which interfere with viral replication processes inside those cells.
4. Note that these antiviral proteins can degrade viral RNA or inhibit protein synthesis, effectively preventing the virus from multiplying within the healthy cells.
5. Conclude that the best description of interferon action is their role in inducing antiviral proteins in healthy cells, thereby inhibiting viral replication and protecting these cells from infection.