Identify incorrect statement about interferons

Options

A. they form holes in infected cells
B. they are produced by virus infected cells
C. they induce antiviral state
D. they inhibit viral replication

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Interferons**: Interferons are proteins produced by virus-infected cells that play a crucial role in the immune response. They help protect non-infected cells from becoming infected by viruses.

2. **Analyzing the Statements**: The question asks to identify the incorrect statement about interferons. We need to evaluate each statement provided in the options.

3. **Evaluating Each Statement**:
- **Statement A**: "They form holes in infected cells."
- This statement is **incorrect**. Interferons do not act by forming holes in infected cells; instead, they work by signaling neighboring cells to enhance their defenses against viral infection.

- **Statement B**: "They are produced by virus-infected cells."
- This statement is **correct**. Interferons are indeed produced by cells that have been infected by viruses.

- **Statement C**: "They induce the anti-viral state."
- This statement is **correct**. Interferons help induce an antiviral state in neighboring cells, making them less susceptible to viral infection.

- **Statement D**: "They inhibit viral replication."
- This statement is **correct**. Interferons inhibit the replication of viruses within infected cells, thereby limiting the spread of the virus.

4. **Conclusion**: After evaluating all the statements, the only incorrect statement is Statement A. Therefore, the answer to the question is that the incorrect statement about interferons is "They form holes in infected cells."