Scott Boichuk, age 14, of.Longview Wash., for his question:

WHAT IS INTERFERON?

Interferon is a protein molecule produced by the cells of man and other mammals. It prevents viral infections in new and uninfected cells by stopping the growth of viruses.

The presence of a particular virus in a cell stimulates the cell to produce interferon. Interferon enters the blood stream and protects the body from almost all viruses.

Interferon was discovered by a Scottish virologist named Alick Isaacs and a Swiss microbiologist named Jean Lindenmann in 1957. It has not been used medically because there is no suitable source from which to produce it in large enough quantities.

Scientists are trying to develop ways that will stimulate body cells to produce interferon in the absence of a virus. A protein called poly I:C has been found that stimulates the production of interferon. Injections of this protein prevent viral diseases in animals.

Scientists hope that poly I:C or a similar substance will make it possible to control such human viral diseases as the common cold. Most scientists believe that the main benefit of interferon will be to prevent, rather than cure, disease.