gamma interferon

noun

: an interferon that is produced by T cells, regulates the immune response, and in a form produced by recombinant DNA technology is used especially to control infections due to inability of white blood cells to destroy certain bacteria and fungi compare alpha interferon, beta interferon

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

gamma interferon

noun

: an interferon produced by T cells that regulates the immune response (as by the activation of macrophages and natural killer cells) and is used in a form obtained from recombinant DNA in the control of infections associated with chronic granulomatous disease and sometimes in the treatment of other conditions (as basal cell carcinoma, Bowenoid papulosis, leukemia, or rheumatoid arthritis)

called also interferon gamma

compare alpha interferon, beta interferon