alpha interferon
/ˌælfə ˌɪntərˈfɪrɑn/
noun
- A natural protein made by the body to fight viruses and regulate the immune system, also used as a medicine for certain diseases.
- The body produces alpha-interferon when it detects a viral infection.
- Patients receiving alpha-interferon therapy may experience flu-like side effects.
- Alpha-interferon is sometimes used to treat hepatitis C and certain cancers.