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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
Interferon-lambda is functionally an interferon but structurally related to the interleukin-10 family
Hans Henrik Gad1, Christoffer Dellgren, Ole J Hamming
1Centre for Structural Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Aarhus University, Gustav, Wieds Vej 10, 8000 Arhus C, Denmark.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|May 22, 2009
Summary
Interferon-lambda (IFN-lambda) is an antiviral cytokine. Structural analysis reveals IFN-lambda3 shares similarities with the IL-10 family, suggesting parallel roles in epithelial protection against infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Structural Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Interferon-lambda (IFN-lambda) is a key antiviral cytokine.
- IFN-lambda signals via a receptor complex including IFN-lambdaR1 and IL-10R2.
- Understanding IFN-lambda's structure-function relationship is crucial for antiviral research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the crystal structure of human IFN-lambda3.
- To characterize the interaction between IFN-lambda3 and its receptor complex.
- To elucidate the functional implications of IFN-lambda's structural features.
Main Methods:
- X-ray crystallography to obtain the IFN-lambda3 structure.
- Structure-based site-directed mutagenesis of IFN-lambda3.
- Assays for antiviral activity and STAT2 phosphorylation to assess signaling.
Main Results:
- The crystal structure of human IFN-lambda3 was determined.
- Mutagenesis studies characterized the IFN-lambda3 receptor interaction.
- IFN-lambda3 mutants' signaling ability was assessed via antiviral activity and STAT2 phosphorylation.
Conclusions:
- IFN-lambda, while functionally an interferon, is structurally related to the IL-10 family.
- A notable structural similarity exists between IFN-lambda and IL-22.
- IFN-lambda and IL-22 may have parallel functions in protecting epithelial tissues from viral and bacterial infections, respectively.
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