Ace the 2026 Immune System Challenge – Unleash Your Inner Health Superhero!

Interferons act as warning signals released by virus-infected cells. Their main job is to bind to receptors on neighboring cells and trigger the production of antiviral proteins, creating an antiviral state that helps those cells resist viral replication. This not only slows the spread of the virus but also enhances immune system coordination by improving antigen presentation and activating natural killer cells. They do not directly lyse infected cells, nor do they primarily suppress inflammation or drive fever. So the best description is that they stimulate neighboring cells to produce antiviral proteins.