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Ch. 12 The Lymphatic System and Body Defenses
Marieb - Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology 13th Edition
Marieb13th EditionEssentials of Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780135624340Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMarieb 13th EditionCh. 12 The Lymphatic System and Body DefensesProblem 8
Chapter 12, Problem 8

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
1
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.
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Interferons

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.
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Step 1: Tissue Damage & Infection

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.
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Interferons
Related Practice
Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

Where exactly does an antigen bind to an antibody molecule?

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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

Which of these antibody classes is usually arranged as a pentamer?

a. IgG

b. IgM

c IgA

d. IgD

Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

Which of the following antibody capabilities causes a transfusion reaction with A or B erythrocyte antigens?

a. Neutralization

b. Precipitation

c. Complement fixation

d. Agglutination

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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

Developmentally, embryonic lymphatic vessels are most closely associated with the

a. Veins

b. Arteries

c. Nerves

d. Thymus gland

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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

Which of the following are among the most common indicators of inflammation?

a. Phagocytosis

b. Edema

c. Leukocytosis

d. Pain

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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

Chemical mediators of inflammation include

a. Interferon

b. Complement

c. Histamine

d. Antibodies

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