alpha interferon
noun
: an interferon produced by white blood cells that inhibits viral replication, suppresses cell proliferation, and regulates immune response and that is used in a form obtained from recombinant DNA to treat various diseases compare beta interferon, gamma interferon
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web An early drug that the company had developed, alpha interferon, was a disappointment, Sato recalls. 
Scott Kirsner, BostonGlobe.com, 18 May 2018
Scott Kirsner, BostonGlobe.com, 18 May 2018 Word History
First Known Use
1980, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
alpha interferon
noun
: an interferon produced by various white blood cells that inhibits viral replication, suppresses cell proliferation, and regulates immune response and that is used in a form obtained from recombinant DNA to treat hairy cell leukemia, AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, condylomata acuminata, and certain chronic hepatitides
called also interferon alpha
compare beta interferon, gamma interferon