Cells can detect viruses using receptors on the cell surface or intracellular receptors. Both trigger signaling cascades inside the cells that stimulate the interferon gene expression and release of interferons. Epithelial cells produce and respond to type III interferon. Interferon signaling leads the cells to express antiviral genes and produce signals that stimulate the immune response. The immune cells (yellow) also produce and respond to interferon. Viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19, have multiple ways to block this critical antiviral process. [Credit: Nancy R. Gough, BioSerendipity, LLC]
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