Which of the following statements is true about the interferons?

Options

A. They are non-proteinaceous in nature
B. They are only fibroblastic type
C. They are antifungal in nature
D. They are antiviral in nature

Answer

To determine which statement is true about interferons, we can analyze each option provided.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Interferons**: Interferons are a group of signaling proteins that play a crucial role in the immune response, particularly against viral infections. They are produced by host cells in response to the presence of viruses.

2. **Analyzing the Statements**:
- **Statement 1**: "They are non-proteinous in nature."
- This statement is false because interferons are indeed proteins. They are produced by cells and are classified as cytokines, which are protein molecules.

- **Statement 2**: "They are only fibroblastic type."
- This statement is also false. Interferons are produced by various types of cells, including white blood cells (WBCs), not just fibroblasts.

- **Statement 3**: "They are anti-fungal in nature."
- This statement is incorrect. Interferons primarily target viral infections and are not specifically known for antifungal activity.

- **Statement 4**: "They are anti-viral in nature."
- This statement is true. Interferons are specifically known for their role in fighting viral infections. When a virus infects a cell, the cell releases interferons to signal neighboring cells to enhance their antiviral defenses.

3. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the correct statement about interferons is that they are anti-viral in nature.

### Final Answer:
The true statement about interferons is: **They are anti-viral in nature.**

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