Previous studies of mammals and fish indicate that IFNs inhibit
the replication of viruses within the cell by similar signal pathways
(Verrier et al., 2011). Lymphocyte secretion of cytokines can activate
IFN secretion as part of this immune response. Killer T cells
and macrophages also stimulate infected cells to increase the generation
of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and this helps
cells recognize pathogenic fragments on the cell surface. This can
lead to identification of the virus as a specific adaptive immune response.
For example, in the blood system, MHC increases the generation
of specific antibodies or cytotoxic responses that remove
infected cells, and also induces hormones that enhance the innate
immune response. Previous research reported that IFN of Atlantic
halibut activated antiviral proteins, and this may indicate that