Interferon suppresses the pathogenic activity of

Options

A. Bacteria
B. Protozoa
C. Viruses
D. Helminths

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Interferon:** Interferons are signaling proteins produced and released by host cells in response to viral infections. They play a crucial role in the immune response.

2. **Function of Interferon:** When a cell is infected by a virus, it produces interferons that act on neighboring cells. These interferons signal the nearby cells to enhance their antiviral defense mechanisms, making them more resistant to viral infections.

3. **Identifying the Pathogen Type:** The question asks which type of pathogen interferon suppresses. The options given are bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and helminths.

4. **Analyzing the Options:**
- **Bacteria:** Interferons do not primarily target bacteria; they are more involved in viral defense.
- **Protozoa:** Similar to bacteria, interferons are not specifically designed to combat protozoan infections.
- **Viruses:** Interferons are specifically produced in response to viral infections, making this option a strong candidate.
- **Helminths:** Interferons are not effective against helminth infections, which are more related to immune responses involving other types of immune cells.

5. **Conclusion:** Based on the function of interferons and the analysis of the options, the correct answer is that interferon suppresses the pathogenic activity of **viruses**.

**Final Answer:** Viruses (Option 3)

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