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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

A High Resolution Method to Monitor Phosphorylation-dependent Activation of IRF3
Published on: January 24, 2016
The interferon regulatory factor family in host defense: mechanism of action
Keiko Ozato1, Prafullakumar Tailor, Toru Kubota
1Laboratory of Molecular Growth Regulation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. ozatok@nih.gov
Abstract:
Transcription factors of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family commands the entire type I interferon (IFN) system from induction of IFNs to diverse IFN responses, thereby providing a principal basis for host resistance against pathogens. However, the family has various additional roles. Regulating the development of the immune system, IRFs shape the establishment and execution of innate and adaptive immunity. IRFs also regulate growth and differentiation of many cell types, thus playing a role in leukemia and other cancers. In addition, evidence indicates that IRFs confer antiviral mechanisms not directly ascribed to the IFN system. This review deals with the diverse roles of IRFs in host defense and discusses the molecular mechanisms by which they regulate target gene transcription.
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