The correct answer is interferons.
Explanation:
Interferon refers to the proteins that come under the category of cytokines, which are used to signal cells to stimulate the protective mechanisms to eliminate pathogens. The interferons refer to the signaling proteins that are produced and discharged from the host cells as a protective mechanism to fight against the existence of viruses.
A cell infected with a virus makes the cells situated adjacent to enhance the anti-viral mechanisms. The interferons are named so as they possess the tendency to interfere with the replication of viruses, thus, it helps in safeguarding cells from the infections caused by viruses.