Final answer:
Interferons are cytokines produced by host cells that aid in protecting against viral infections by slowing down viral replication. They are host-specific but not virus-specific, meaning they can act against different viruses across various host species.
Step-by-step explanation:
Interferons are a type of cytokines or proteins that are released by host cells in response to pathogens, particularly viruses. These proteins are host-specific, meaning that they are produced by the host's cells, and they have the ability to protect the cells against viral infections. However, interferons are not virus-specific; they can act against various viruses. This means that while interferons are tailored to the host's immune system, they are not designed to target a specific virus but rather a range of them.
Interferons play a key role in the immune response by helping to slow viral replication and by boosting the activity of immune cells. For example, they are part of the treatment regimen for hepatitis B and C, and though they do not completely eliminate the virus, they significantly inhibit its ability to replicate. Cytotoxic T cells are another crucial component of the immune response, as they can destroy infected cells, further limiting the spread of a virus.
Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question would be: (a) Are host-specific but not virus-specific.