During a prolonged viral infection, if interferon signaling is persistently activated in host cells, which consequence becomes most likely regarding T-cell exhaustion?

💡 Explanation

Persistent interferon signaling leads to chronic stimulation of T-cells, because this overstimulation upregulates inhibitory receptors like PD-1, exhausting the T-cells and impairing their function over time. Therefore, progressive loss of T-cell function is the likely outcome, rather than enhancement or improved viral clearance in the long term.

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