Question

Which of the following interferons (IFN) is secreted by Th1 cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and activates macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells?

IFN-α
IFN-β
IFN-γ
All interferons, including -α, -β, and -γ

Answer 1

IFN-γ (interferon gamma) is the interferon secreted by Th1 cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which activates macrophages and natural killer cells, distinguishing it from IFN-α and IFN-β.The correct option is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The interferon secreted by Th1 cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (Tc) that activates macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells is IFN-γ (interferon gamma).

Unlike IFN-α and IFN-β, which are primarily produced by virus-infected cells, IFN-γ is produced by immune cells and has a more specific role in the immune response.

It helps orchestrate the activity of various immune cells, including activating macrophages to become more effective at killing intracellular bacteria and enhancing the ability of NK cells and Tc cells to kill target cells such as tumors and virally infected cells.The correct option is C.