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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 during viral infections: multiple triggers for a multifunctional mediator
E I Zuniga1, B Hahm, M B A Oldstone
1Department of Molecular and Integrative Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA. ezuniga@scripps.edu
Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
|November 1, 2007
Summary
Type I interferons (IFN-I) are crucial for antiviral defense, initiating signaling cascades for their synthesis. Viruses can evade these responses, and IFN-I can have both beneficial and detrimental effects during infections like LCMV.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Type I interferons (IFN-I) are critical cytokines in host defense against viral infections.
- IFN-I induction involves complex signaling networks triggered by conserved viral signatures.
- Viruses have evolved mechanisms to counteract or exploit the IFN-I system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the induction and functions of IFN-I during viral infections.
- To discuss the dual roles (beneficial and detrimental) of IFN-I.
- To illustrate these roles using lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection in mice.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on IFN-I induction and function.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involved in IFN-I synthesis.
- Case study analysis of LCMV infection in a natural host model.
Main Results:
- IFN-I synthesis is rapidly initiated upon viral recognition.
- IFN-I establishes an antiviral state and regulates immune responses.
- Viral evasion strategies target the IFN-I pathway.
- IFN-I exhibits context-dependent beneficial and detrimental effects, as seen in LCMV infection.
Conclusions:
- IFN-I plays a central role in antiviral immunity.
- Understanding IFN-I dynamics is key to comprehending viral pathogenesis.
- The dual nature of IFN-I necessitates careful consideration in therapeutic strategies.
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