Question

Which of the following statements best describes the mechanism of action of the interferons? a. selectively stimulate T lymphocytes b. bind to specific cellular receptors resulting in inhibition of proliferation c. bind to cyclophilin with resulting inhibition of NFAT translocation to the nucleus d. inhibit T cell DNA polymerase e. are antimetabolites and are incorporated into DNA

Short answer

Answer: b. bind to specific cellular receptors resulting in inhibition of proliferation

Step-by-step solution

Understanding interferons

Interferons are proteins secreted by cells in response to viral infections and other immune stimuli. They play a significant role in the immune system by inhibiting viral replication within infected cells, activating immune cells such as natural killer cells and macrophages, and increasing the antigen presentation to T lymphocytes.

Evaluating each statement

Let's go through each statement and analyze its accuracy regarding the mechanism of action of interferons. a. selectively stimulate T lymphocytes: Interferons can enhance the activity of T lymphocytes, but their mechanism of action is not selective stimulation of T cells alone. Their primary roles are inhibiting viral replication and activating other immune cells. b. bind to specific cellular receptors resulting in inhibition of proliferation: This statement is true. Interferon proteins bind to specific receptors on the surface of cells, which subsequently leads to the activation of an intracellular signaling pathway that ultimately results in the inhibition of viral replication and cellular proliferation. c. bind to cyclophilin with resulting inhibition of NFAT translocation to the nucleus: This statement is related to the mechanism of action of the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine, not interferons. So, this option is incorrect. d. inhibit T cell DNA polymerase: This statement is not correct, as interferons do not directly inhibit T cell DNA polymerase but instead act by inhibiting viral replication and activating immune responses. e. are antimetabolites and are incorporated into DNA: This statement describes the mechanism of action of certain antiviral and anticancer drugs like nucleoside analogs, not the mechanism of action of interferons.

Picking the correct statement

The correct statement that best describes the mechanism of action of interferons is: b. bind to specific cellular receptors resulting in inhibition of proliferation