Question

Interferons are cytokines produced by host cells in response to intracellular infection. There are two types of interferons, type I and type II. Which of the following is a difference between these two types? Choose one:

A. Type I is part of innate, nonspecific immunity, while type II is part of adaptive, specific immunity.
B. Type I binds to extracellular pathogens, while type II binds to intracellular pathogens.
C. Type I includes interferon-alpha and interferon-beta, while type II includes interferon-omega.
D. Type I interferes with viral replication, while type II activates white blood cells.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Type I is part of innate, nonspecific immunity, while type II is part of adaptive, specific immunity.

Explanation:

Type I interferons: Are produced early on during infection and are responsible for activation of the innate immune response, e.g Natural Killer cells.

Type II interferons: Are produced as part of the innate immune response and act as a link between innate immune response and activation of the adaptive immune response.