Which substance is produced by a cell in viral infection that protect other cells from further infection?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Interferon
Option (3) Interferon — Correct. Virus-infected cells secrete proteins called interferons. These protect the neighbouring non-infected cells from further viral infection; they are cytokine barriers of innate immunity.
NCERT Extract:
Innate Immunity – “… Cellular barriers : Certain types of leukocytes (WBC) of our body like polymorpho-nuclear leukocytes (PMNL-neutrophils) and monocytes and natural killer (type of lymphocytes) in the blood as well as macrophages in tissues can phagocytose and destroy microbes. (iv) Cytokine barriers : Virus-infected cells secrete proteins called interferons which protect non-infected cells from further viral infection.”