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View the video entitled About Alpha Interferons Announcer: The information provided in this video is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, you should contact your health care provider. Segment 8: What is interferon therapy? Jacobson: Interferon is a protein produced naturally by our bodies and works in a variety of ways. It helps to activate the body's immune system, increasing the possibility that the virus will be recognized as foreign and attacked. It likely also has a direct effect against the virus itself. When a person has HCV, additional interferon in the form of a prescription may be necessary in combination with daily ribavirin pills. Studies suggest that interferon therapy may cause a modest reduction of liver inflammation. Interferon is injected subcutaneously, which literally means under the skin. The initial formulations were administered three times each week, but the new, pegylated forms of the drug are administered just once each week.