Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes
Published on: March 24, 2015
Type I interferon response in the central nervous system
Sophie Paul1, Céline Ricour, Caroline Sommereyns
1Université catholique de Louvain, Christian de Duve Institute of Cellular Pathology, Microbial Pathogenesis Unit, MIPA-VIRO 74-49, 74, avenue Hippocrate, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium.
Abstract:
This review is dedicated to the influence of type I IFNs (also called IFN-alpha/beta) in the central nervous system (CNS). Studies in mice with type I IFN receptor or IFN-beta gene deficiency have highlighted the importance of the type I IFN system against CNS viral infections and non-viral autoimmune disorders. Direct antiviral effects of type I IFNs appear to be crucial in limiting early spread of a number of viruses in CNS tissues. Type I IFNs have also proved to be beneficial in autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis or experimental autoimmune encephalitis, probably through immunomodulatory effects. Increasing efforts are done to characterize IFN expression and response in the CNS: to identify type I IFN producing cells, to decipher pathways leading to type I IFN expression in those cells, and to identify responding cells. However, reversible and irreversible damages consecutive to chronic exposure of the CNS to type I IFNs underline the importance of a tightly regulated type I IFN homeostasis in this organ.
Related Concept Videos
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Arboviral Encephalitis

