Interferon Figure (Figure 17.11). Reprinted from OpenStax Microbiology (p. 698), by N. Parker, M. Shneegurt, A.-h. Thi Tu, B. M. Forester, and P. Lister, 2016, Rice University. Copyright 2016 by Rice University.

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Immune signaling molecules important in defending against viruses. Type I interferons, interferon alpha and beta, are produced by viral infected cells and work to inhibit viral spread by stopping mRNA production and destroying produced RNA. They also act to stimulate an immune response from other cells to further the attack on the virus. Type II interferons also act to stimulate an immune response.

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