Virus-infected cells secrete -

The correct answer is Option (2) → Interferons

Innate immunity is the defence a person is born with. It has four kinds of barriers: physical, physiological, cellular and cytokine barriers. Interferons belong to the cytokine barriers. A cell infected by a virus secretes these proteins, and they protect the neighbouring healthy cells from the infection.

(1) Antibodies — Incorrect. Antibodies are made by B-lymphocytes in acquired immunity. They bind to a particular antigen. Infected cells do not secrete them.

(2) Interferons — Correct. They are the cytokine barrier against viruses.

(3) Antigens — Incorrect. An antigen is a foreign substance, such as a protein of the virus, that sets off an immune response. It is not a defence molecule secreted by the cell.

(4) Phospholipids — Incorrect. These are lipids of the cell membrane. They have no part in defence against viruses.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 25-05-2026 (Slot 1).

NCERT Extract:
Innate Immunity – …