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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-stimulated genes and their antiviral effector functions
John W Schoggins1, Charles M Rice
1Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States. jschoggins@rockefeller.edu
Current Opinion in Virology
|February 14, 2012
Summary
Viruses activate the type I interferon (IFN) system, producing interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) with diverse antiviral functions. Researchers are identifying specific ISGs and their mechanisms to combat viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The type I interferon (IFN) system is a critical host defense against viral infections.
- IFNs induce hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) with potent antiviral activities.
- The full spectrum of ISG functions and their mechanisms remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific ISGs that possess antiviral properties.
- To further characterize the mechanisms of action employed by ISG antiviral effectors.
- To understand the combinatorial nature and broad targeting capabilities of ISGs against viral life cycles.
Main Methods:
- Systematic identification of ISGs with antiviral activity.
- Functional characterization of ISG products and their molecular mechanisms.
- Analysis of ISG interactions with viral replication processes.
Main Results:
- ISGs exhibit a wide range of antiviral inhibitory activities.
- ISGs can target virtually all stages of the viral life cycle.
- Some potent ISGs reinforce the IFN response, while others may be co-opted by viruses.
Conclusions:
- ISGs represent a versatile and powerful antiviral defense mechanism.
- Understanding ISG functions is crucial for developing novel antiviral strategies.
- Viruses may have evolved mechanisms to exploit host ISGs for their own replication.
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